One of my friends I met who also did her exchange collected her thoughts during the exchange. I liked the idea, especially for remembering how I felt at certain times, so here goes my list.

• It’s crazy how fast I can adjust to or feel at home in a new place.
• I miss my friends and family.
• I can do anything.
• I’m such a big-city girl.
• Noodles are always a yes.
• I eat a lot of cheese?!
• Everyone is so pretty.
• The locals are super nice and so polite. Indeed, they are not the most extroverted, but I don’t see it as an ‘obstacle’. They really see who’s in need and are ready to help you out whenever you need.
• Fries with sweet-sour sauce is actually pretty good.
• I missed having friends who also stan BTS.
• Yeez I can be such a chaotic mess?
• I’m pretty funny.
• Everything here is cute. Mugs, pillows, cards, phone cases, wallets, socks, … I’m telling you, everything. Even the people, cafes, and local stores?!
• I love my new friends?! They are so smart and wise omg. Healthy mindset >>
• I have trouble expressing myself and my emotions.
• Korean is such a beautiful language. It sounds so cute, yet hot, yet funny. Dutch is not.
• What if I don’t vibe with my friends at home anymore though? I got so used to these people with different backgrounds and mindsets.
• I love all these cafes where you can go and hang out with friends or get work done. Most of the cafes have their own, unique concepts that are getting elaborated to the last detail. It’s absolutely inspiring for creative minds!
• Stores that are open 24/7 are just normal here. The best.
• It rains way too much in Belgium. I’ve always hated autumn, but I can enjoy it so well here! Sure, it’s cold, but it’s not raining that much, which means you can go for a walk and appreciate the natural changes anytime you want.
• How are people at home doing and holding up without me?
• There are also still wonderful people in this world.
• I don’t know where I belong in this world anymore. Belgium? Korea? Somewhere else?
• When am I going to shine in a K-drama? I even settle for just being a passer-by in the background.
• I owe so much to 7 men who don’t know my name. So, so, so grateful. You might be one of the ‘BTS antis’, and that’s fine, that’s your call (although I don’t really see why). But I think that if you like me, you should give them the benefit of the doubt, and you should be thankful for them too. They have shaped me to the person that I am today. God knows what would have become of me if it wasn’t for them.
• Tteokbokki is my favorite.
• I feel happy and in a calm space of mind.
• I get tired of some people. Do people get tired of me too? Am I a difficult person to get along with?
• The sea has such a pretty blue color.
• I should live more in the moment. I have to be more aware and grateful for certain moments when they are occurring, and not only afterward. These are all going to be memories that I will never be able to experience again.
• I’m scared to go home.
• I don’t know what I want.
• I need to work hard and make a lot of money. Because money can buy happiness. Imagine all the things you could do for others too?
• I want to be a good/better person.
• Time flies.
• Or do I just have trouble prioritizing?
• I’m pretty sure I’m going to have the ‘culture shock’ everyone keeps asking me about when I go home, rather than when I arrived here.
• I’m not sure if I want to go home…
• What if I never make it back here? Are these my last days in Korea, ever?

Did you also live abroad for some time? Or do you still? I love to hear about your personal experiences!

Talk to you soon!

Lara