It’s fascinating how most interactions between foreigners and Koreans differ by a huge margin from interactions among themselves, especially in a university that is gradually becoming more international. KAISTians have been stereotypically classified under one of two categories: the kind, friendly, and outgoing internationals, whose vibes reflect the perfect summer day; and the quiet, reserved, and cold Korean students, who resemble the icy, dark winters of the Arctic. Many have assumed that the only way to connect the two opposites is by deconstructing the language barrier: as long as the internationals learn enough Korean to be fluent, the divide between the two can easily be conquered. However, there are other uncharted territories beyond the simple notion of “language barriers” which are incredible challenges to tackle when it comes to bridging the gap between the two communities. 

Entering university means starting a new chapter of our lives and adapting to changes never before seen in high school. For internationals who have never set foot in Korea before, this process can be especially daunting. KAIST’s current dormitory system pairs up freshmen from the same countries, ideally creating a safer and more comfortable living space for them. However, it is this same system that contributes to the segregation of internationals and Koreans. The dorms act as hubs for meeting other students like oneself, and separating internationals and Koreans prevents the two from forming potential bonds with one another. Furthermore, due to the different semester admissions for most internationals and Koreans, they are also assigned to different freshman classes, therefore discouraging both parties from socializing during Exciting College Life and Happy College Life classes. While these sorting systems may help create a less overwhelming atmosphere for freshmen, it is also a double-edged sword slicing the KAIST community into two.

In addition to being a networking hotspot for the youth, university is also where students explore diverse cultures that may differ from their own. KAIST has become a more multicultural university since it made globalization one of its goals for the future; as such, the campus grew to be a cosmopolitan platform exposing every individual to their peers’ cultures. Though we bond with people from backgrounds distinct from ours every day, there will always be subtle cultural nuances that form an impenetrable barrier between us and our Korean or international counterparts. You might find someone who doesn’t find your joke funny or is more nonchalant with their words, and find them awkward or unapproachable. Everyone also bonds with their friends in different ways; some may find that drinking alcohol and having deep conversations is a great way to better understand one another, a few may bond over similar interests, while others may simply enjoy the presence of their peers in the same study room. 

Despite the freshmen segregation and cultural differences resulting in the unfavorable divide, that is not to say that the language barrier is not a major obstacle. We’ve all had moments when we couldn’t translate an expression from our native languages to English or Korean without altering its original meaning — it’s the same for any international or Korean KAISTian. Fundamentally, internationals are in the same boat as Koreans, where they might fail to properly express themselves in English because it isn’t their first language. However, the cherry on top of the sundae of explanations for the international-Korean split is the lack of effort from both sides. On one hand, most internationals don’t go the extra mile to involve themselves in Korean-majority communities, or think that Koreans should adapt to the change in their country’s cultural makeup. On the other, most Koreans avoid participating in international events or even speaking in English, believing that their command of English is subpar. Among the numerous clubs established in KAIST, many do not accept international students either or are only open to those who have an extensive command of the Korean language. As a result, KAISTians view this separation as an inevitable situation that will remain the same for years to come.

There are a plethora of possible solutions to resolving this great divide between the international and Korean student bodies. Some talk about having more international-friendly clubs, and others talk about internationals needing to make a greater effort to assimilate into Korean society. Truly, what we need are platforms through which everyone can interact with one another from the beginning of their university life and persistent effort from both parties. We, as international students, have to make peace with the fact that the Koreans don’t always have to accommodate us and our differences. Conversely, our Korean counterparts should also realize that being in a globalized university means that they should try to accept our different cultures. Perhaps it is through these we can form better bonds and friendships instead of sticking to our cliques.