5 Mindset Shifts that Made Life in Korea Easier as a Foreign Student

Moving to Korea as a foreign student was exciting, but it also came with moments of isolation, self-doubt, but also, self-awareness of yourself. Besides, it was a quiet pressure to “adapt faster" at the beginning of this journey. 

Over time, I realized that what helped me most wasn't a high level of language skills or confidence, but the way of thinking - mind shifts that changed difficulties into meaningful challenges. Though everyone’s experience can be different, there are some main aspects that will ease your difficulties at some point. 

1. Don't rush 🤗

As a foreign student in Korea, I learned that progress does not have to be immediate to be real and that everyone's path is not the same and it doesn't have to be. Letting go of the pressure to understand everything quickly allowed me to engage more genuinely with the language, culture, and people around me. Growth became less about perfection and more about making steps, even small ones. 

2. Don't compare yourself with others 🙅

 It can be harder to act on it than said, but it is easy to feel depressed or down when you compare your accomplishments with others to compare myself to local students or other international students who seemed more confident or fluent. Shifting my focus to my own development helped me recognize how far I had come and been trying to show up for my future self. Measuring progress against my past self became far more motivating than comparison of others, especially in social media. 

3. If you are alone, it doesn’t mean you're lonely and a failure ✨️

Living abroad often comes with periods of isolation, especially during the early stages of adaptation. However, you will love how spending time alone, doing most of the things (daily life routines) can make you a stronger person through this journey. 

4. Asking for help is a form of strength and bravery 🫂

Independence does not mean doing everything alone. Reaching out for support—whether academically, emotionally, or socially—allowed me to navigate challenges more effectively. Learning to ask for help strengthened my sense of connection and helped me find "my people". 

5. Uncertainty does not mean lack of direction 😌

Not having all the answers about the future initially felt unsettling. Over time, I realized that uncertainty can coexist with growth and intention. Trusting the long-term value of my experiences in Korea helped me focus on learning and self-development rather than constant worry. 

Lastly, don’t forget about how you feel about every step of you and take your time ✨ Good luck! 

>> This is part of a series on navigating life as a foreign student — more stories and practical tips coming soon. Stay safe and tuned !!