Rafiqua Israel - Expat in South Korea
Ms. Rafiqua Israel is an ESL teacher living in South Korea. She is originally from South Africa and came to live in South Korea through a friend who was teaching English in Korea, and moved soon after.
As Ms. Israel was hired through the government’s teaching program, she did not have any trouble getting her visa and arranging her government requirements, but her biggest challenge as an expat in South Africa is the language barrier. Even though it is her job to break this barrier, it is quite a difficult task in a country like South Korea. Ms. Israel mentions “The most difficult thing was the language barrier making me feel slightly isolated. I found that if you can’t speak Korean then everyday things can become a bit lonely. Apart from other expat friends, where I live English Is not widely spoken.”
Language barriers is one of the most difficult things to overcome for an expat, especially in places like South Korea, Japan, or China, where English is not widely spoken, and it’s hard to find expats to connect with. Learning the local language can solve this dilemma, but if the language in your host country proves to be too difficult to learn, alternatives, like finding the right expat groups that speak your language and finding an expat community in your area, can be the next best thing.
Learn more about Ms. Israel’s experiences as an expat in South Korea below.
Q: Where are you originally from? What made you move out of your home country?
A: I am originally from South Africa. When I graduated from university with a bachelors degree in Psychology, I felt like I needed to travel but had no idea where to go. I had a friend who was teaching English in Korea, and the rest is all history. I applied and got accepted, saved up some money, packed my stuff and left.
Q: Where are you living now?
A: I am living in South Korea, in a small seaside city called Pohang.
Q: How did you come to choose this new country of residence?
A: I didn’t specifically choose this place. When I applied, I told my recruiter I’d be happy anywhere, and I was just randomly assigned this city. However, I feel like this place is perfect for me!
Q: How long have you been living in South Korea?
A: I’ve been living in Korea for 2 years now.
Q: What has been the most difficult experience you've had when you were new in South Korea?
A: The most difficult thing was the language barrier making me feel slightly isolated. I found that if you can’t speak Korean, then everyday things can become a bit lonely. Apart from other expat friends, where I live English Is not widely spoken.
Q: Would you say that formalities like getting visas or work permits and international health insurance were particularly difficult in South Korea? What was your experience with these?
A: I had no problem because I was hired to work here through a government teaching programme, and everything was done for me
Q: Are you living alone or with your family?
A: No, I live alone
Q: Was it easy making friends and meeting people? Do you mainly socialize with other expats in South Korea? How did you manage to find a social circle in South Korea?
A: Making friends has been quite easy, and I find the expat community in South Korea is pretty tight. There are various facebook groups that help making new friends and meeting like-minded individuals. There are always loads of events and activities planned with expats in mind, so it also is an easy way to meet new people.
Q: What are the best things to do in the area? Anything to recommend to future expats?
A: In Pohang you definitely have to try the fresh sea clams which are grilled at your table! Also don’t miss out on visiting Homigot- a steel hand that protrudes out of the ocean and catches the morning sunrise.
Q: How do you find the local culture and people in South Korea?
A: Via Facebook groups
Q: What do you think are the positive and negative sides of living in South Korea?
A: Korea is extremely safe, and public transport is awesome. The negative side is its hard to find western things in the rural areas, and English is not really widely spoken
Q: Do you miss home and family sometimes? How do you cope with homesickness?
A: Yes I do sometimes. I hope by skyping home and staying in contact via text messages and emails.
Q: Do you have plans to move to a different country or back home in the future?
A: I plan to move back home for a while and then maybe to Japan or Hong Kong.
Q: What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
A: Sometimes you wish you had your loved ones closer by for small events like Birthdays or holidays;
Q: What tips can you give other expats living in that country?
A: Do it! Being an expat is super fun and exciting and can teach you a lot about yourself and other people.
Q: Do you have favourite websites or blogs about South Korea?
A: www.rafiquaisraelexpress.com (my own)