Almost a year and a half ago, I found out at midnight that my family would be hosting a Korean foreign exchange student. A few weeks later he came and stayed with us for one week. I was a little dreadful at first, the culture is amazingly different, and I wasn't sure what to do on simple things like manners, our traditions compared to theirs, and food. I didn't want to come off rude, such as wearing shoes in the house. That week passed by so fast. And I wouldn't change a thing about it. I think I blogged about my experiences about that week before, and I wanted to tell you about my experience yesterday, when I met the whole family.
His dad got a teaching job for one year in So Cal. Yes, the whole family moved from Korea to California. Could you imagine just moving to a different country? Since they are only 3 hours away, his parents wanted to meet my parents since we were the homestay family. Yesterday, me along with 2 other friends who hosted a student, met at the marketplace. His family arrived, and we said our hellos. Culture is an amazing thing. English is their second language, so it isn't great. His mom only knows a few sentences in English, his dad can get around although there is a heavy accent, and him along with his sister are pretty fluent. However, a smile really does mean friendship to everyone. A quick bow and handshake, we sat down to Starbucks, which they generously bought me. (It is Korean tradition to buy gifts. They bought me Starbucks, ice cream, and a cake.) I have never met a nicer family. We discussed basic things, like how are they liking CA, and where a good place to eat in Bakersfield is. Then, his parents and sister went to a park while we went to Olive Garden.
A few hours later we met back up. They told me Bakersfield is a beautiful country-side town. HAHA! I wish. We then left for my house. When they arrived, my parents and his got along great. They talked for almost an hour about everything, and how they like America. Then everyone had to leave, since school was the next day. I'm really glad they live so much closer, because I can't wait to go visit more often. Sadly, the year they are here for will end extremely quick. I guess that's my excuse to go visit Bucheon, Korea. (Like I need an excuse...)
If you ever have the chance to host a family, from any country, don't pass that up. I have built a life-long relationship with someone across the sea in a totally different culture. There is no such thing as not being able to communicate because you don't speak their language. You can smile, right? That's all you need to be friends.
The following video describes what it's like to experience a different culture. Yes, It really is a small world after all.
(When he first stayed with us, we took all the students to Disneyland. When we rode It's a Small World, we passed a section that is Korean. They jumped up and said "That's my home! That's Korea!")
다음 시간까지,
Until next time,
-Austen
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