The country Kazakhstan is very far from Korea and not familiar with our life. However, Garlia from Kazakhstan has learned about the Korean language since she was a little girl and she knows a lot about Korea. What do you think about Kazakhstan? Now, CBT looks into Kazakhstan with Garlia.
How did you learn about Korea? Korea is a famous country in Kazakhstan. Many major Korean companies such as Samsung Electronics or Hyundai Motor are located in our country, and many people want to enter the companies. My parents wanted me to learn Korean. When I started to learn Korean, the pronunciation was very difficult to me, so I felt like giving up. However, Korean volunteers taught me the language for free. I came to enjoy studying Korean, thanks to the kind volunteers.
When you started to live in Korea, what was the most difficult thing? When I began to live in Korea, I suffered from homesickness. I was totally alone due to being away from my family, and it was difficult to adjust to dormitory living. I had never lived in a dormitory until I came to Korea. It was pretty uncomfortable to use the restroom and shower stalls together. Now, I'm okay. I like Korean food, and I have made many friends.
What is the difference between Kazakhstan and Korean students? Korean university students often go to coffee shops or restaurants. On the other hand, the coffee shops and restaurants in Kazakhstan are too expensive for ordinary university students. The university students in Kazakhstan normally go to night clubs. They like to dance, and the cost is cheaper than that of a coffee shop or a restaurant. They eat dinner and enjoy dancing at a night club. The university students in Korea study harder than students in Kazakhstan. Korean students are active, adventurous, and try to study hard. I also study hard with lively and energetic atmosphere surrounded by Korean students.
What is your dream? Now, I'm majoring in Korean literature, and my minor is international relations. I chose Korean literature because I wanted to speak Korean very well. When I lived in Kazakhstan, I worked part-time for Asiana Airlines. I decided to become a flight attendant while I worked there. I will be a flight attendant when I go back to Kazakhstan.
|