I’ve moved several times in my life to cultures quite different than mine. I’m originally from Romania. I’ve always oscillated between maintaining my cultural heritage and identity while engaging with local people and the wider society that I’m living in. In South Korea, for the first time in my life, I decided not to learn the language (for several reasons, but mainly because I liked being somewhere where I don’t understand what people say; it minimizes my anxiety level somehow.). Because of my decision, however, I have had some difficult experiences when moving. For example,  it was hard for me to communicate at places I went like the immigration office,  the bank, and the hair salon. I’ve always been independent and liked to do things on my own, so it was difficult to feel helpless. Sometimes I wonder if this was the right choice to make. Also, as I’ve lived in East Asia before, I didn’t experience a strong culture shock, but I was still thrown off balance when some things happened. For example, my former landlord didn’t want to give me back my deposit money. It seems that this is a common practice in South Korea, but it’s not where I’m from.  There have been other challenging experiences like feeling that I don’t have control, especially at university; how people behave on the subway; and sometimes being ignored during a conversation because I’m a woman.  Some days are more difficult than others. But most of the time I try to stay relaxed and  remember not to take all too seriously. This is so important when you move to a new country: it’s my job to assimilate into the culture and community. I didn’t learn these lessons by myself. My own experience has taught me that a therapist’s expertise can help tremendously helpful: it’s taught me where to draw the line between what I am comfortable to accept, when to let go, and what is too much for me.  You need time and practice to understand where to draw the line. It’s difficult to do alone. Remember that there are a lot of foreigners here in South Korea.    Let’s remember to be ready to help each other when we need it and to be there for our community. And, if you think you really are in need of specialized support, ask for help. Our team will be happy to assist you. Irina is an Inquiry Coordinator with Adaptable Human Solutions, a private mental health clinic that provides English counseling and psychotherapeutic services. Currently, Adaptable Human Solutions has offices in Seoul and Pyeongtaek and they also provide counseling via telehealth (secure online counseling). If you would like to find out more about Adaptable Human Solutions, visit their website at www.ahskorea.com. For more details on counseling services, please email [email protected] or call 02-749-7915 to schedule an appointment. SOUTH OF SEOUL EDITORIAL INFORMATION Article Information & History Historical Record Originally written by Adaptable Human Solutions Originally published August 10, 2020 Article History August 10, 2020 Originally published Written by Adaptable Human Solutions No formal audit has been recorded for this article under the current South of Seoul editorial process. Historical article: This article has not yet been formally audited under South of Seoul’s current editorial process. It remains available as part of our publishing history and may contain information that has changed since publication. Before You Act South of Seoul articles document information available at a particular point in time. Prices, hours, services, policies, procedures, laws, eligibility requirements, transportation, contact details, and local conditions can change. Use this article as a research starting point and confirm important details using current official resources, direct contact, Naver Maps, Kakao Map, and other reliable sources when appropriate. For consequential immigration, legal, medical, or financial decisions, confirm current requirements with the relevant official authority or an appropriately qualified professional. See something that needs updating? Help us keep practical information useful. Reader reports are reviewed by our editorial team and do not automatically change this article. Website What needs attention? Select a reason Outdated information Business closed or moved Hours changed Price changed Broken link Location or access changed Policy or rule changed Contact information changed Translation issue Other What did you notice? Send to Editorial Team No name or email is required. Please don’t include private or sensitive personal information.