According to my experience of meeting various types of people, I think people in the Liberal Arts and those in Science and Engineering majors differ in the ways of thinking. My father, brother, and boyfriend are all people with backgrounds in sciences, so I have a lot of experience interacting with that kind. As a liberal arts person, the science and engineering people usually do not show behavior outside of my expectation. Life with them does not consist of many surprises, since their way of thinking works like algorithms in math. There is always a certain output respective of an input. In a way it can be less romantic, but it is comfortable because I do not have to be prepared for the unpredictable.

Yang You Jung ('13, Russian Language and Literature)

 

I lived for over 12 years in Costa Rica, so I have met a great number of Korean students who also lived abroad for a large part of their lives. Then I came to Korea University (KU) and met students who lived in Korea for their entire lives. The biggest difference that I noticed during conversations with both types of students is that those who lived abroad usually show better reactions when talking. Also, there are times when I must use certain words in Korean. Hull is a great example. In some situations, I have to use hull to express my reaction most accurately. I am sure that many Koreans who lived abroad would be able to agree with me.

Kim Sabina ('12, Earth and Environmental Sciences)

 

During conversations with my boyfriend, there are moments when I realize I have become a standardized female student whose words do not match her true feelings. For instance, when I have a tiresome day, I like to tell my boyfriend about it to let out some stress. Of course, simply talking about it gives me relief to some extent. However, the reason most females like to have a boyfriend is because they have someone to offer comfort and reassurance. When I talk about some kind of problem that I had that day, I am not looking for a solution from my boyfriend, but consolation. All that most women want to hear is, "Really? It must have been so hard for you. Are you okay?" Nevertheless, most men seem to not instinctively understand that.

Hong Jisong ('14, Geography Education)

 

Most people are familiar with the fact that language in the Korean military is very different from that used in everyday lives in normal society. I learned that ordinary soldiers are not allowed to answer with words too short, such as simple "yes" or "no." Even to simple questions, answers have to be as long as "yes, sir" or "I have heard you incorrectly, sir." Also, the atmosphere during conversations is quite stiff. I feel it is more difficult to talk openly in such an environment than in normal life. I sincerely miss the times I had at the university with friends, when I could basically say things the way I wanted to and when I wanted to say them.

Moon Hyun Seung ('13, Electrical Engineering)