Despite all the problems we may have as a country, South Africa is an amazing place to live. We are genuinely raised with the spirit of UBUNTU. I'm listening to you as you speak and realising all the little things that are normal to me and that I may take for granted. Something as small as keeping the door open for someone who's coming, I mean I experience that every day and it's something I do naturally. I think with every decision we take there are sacrifices. This takes me back to your video on the sacrifices you make to live abroad. As much as living in another country affords you opportunities you wouldn't have if you were still in SA, it is still not home. And as much as being home with your people is amazing, you may not be fully satisfied with your job and opportunities etc. Thank you for making this video, it's great to help us think of stuff like these as we consider options of moving out of our home countries 💛
Honestly, I don’t know how to reply to this comment because you worded everything soooo nicely! I love it and I really couldn’t have said it better myself! ❤️
Yoooooo!!! 😢so this is what I can expect with a trip home 🫣 thank you for sharing. Would you say that you have a new found appreciation for SA and SA culture? Things that we took for granted before life in Korea. Beautiful video Letty! For anyone who hasn’t been to SA or doesn’t have an idea about life in SA and people in SA, this is the video to watch! A proudly South African video ❤ I don’t think you are overreacting 😢 🥺 everything you spoke about are things I miss about being home, to go home and be reminded of who you are, where you come from, your people - then have to leave all of that behind for the totally different way of life we experience here, your feelings are valid.
Thank you so much Annah! Absolutely, living life led by Ubuntu is something that’s so natural to us, it’s a way of life, and to not experience that made me realise just how special it is! And coming from one of the most diverse countries in the world is special and I believe that’s why South Africans are so confident and social because we’re so used to communicating with racially and cultural diverse people all the time. Being back in SA also made me fall in love with certain aspect of the Korean culture and Korea in general. If you ever get the chance to go home, please do it! I know that we always want to travel to the neighbouring countries and going home is even more expensive but it is so worth it.
Home will always be home ❤️ so many you tubers dont stress enough about how home sickness hits once the excitement dies down. I spent years planning to move abroad and now that i finally did it i really just miss home and family and the feeling of belonging. Stay strong ❤️
It’s so confusing because even though I enjoyed being home, there were so many things about Korea that I missed… it’s just so confusing. But should you ever the chance to go home, even if it’s for a week, do it!
It's the I know how to block people now on RUclips for me 😂😂 Home will always be home, and it's home for a reason. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Hey Letty! It's me, Letty(Lethabo, lol). I commented on one of your videos a few months ago saying that I wanted to come to SK. Welp, I'm here! In Daejeon, to be specific. I've been here for about 3 months and lemme tell you, girl, I cannot wait to go back home! I can totally relate 1000% with what you're saying in this video because I'm experiencing this. SA is sooooo different from SK and it's evident. And I'm experiencing one of the worst experiences yoh! Nobody talks about how hard the first few months are. Adjusting to life here is so difficult bro. Anywho, I love your content and I hope that we'll meet some day.
Hey Letty I am glad you mentioned it. Life/ emotions and feelings are not black and white. You can love something and still be annoyed or hate it😂😂😂 Emily Boitumelo is in China and recently visited SA and she went back to China and said coming back to SA solidified the plan she always had that she’s coming back. South African really felt home. It felt right. It fitted. She enjoyed it so much !!!!! What you’re feeling is totally valid.
I’m from America and honestly it depends on the personality and upbringing of a person here in America. I’ve learned not to expect from anyone. As a Christian I know that people will always fail you because that’s the human way. I rarely get help from a cab/ Uber driver with my luggage/bags they open the trunk and never get out of the car. People mind their own business a simple nod when eye contact is given is all I’ve seen. Usually people that start conversations are just naturally chatty and talk to anyone and everyone. Holding the door for a person is a hit or miss. I have naturally curly hair and when I wear it down and curly, it never fails they ask questions they want to touch it they want to know where I’m from because of my hair. I don’t get bothered by it because I know that we as human beings are naturally curious about what is strange and/or new to us. So when we visit other countries we have to understand that they have a culture that’s different from us and we have to respect that as visitors in their country, and if you are planning on living in “their” country then it’s your duty to respect and adjust to their way of living.
You renewed your contract 🎉🎉!! Thank you for this genuine communication you are having with US. We are here as your South African Family and I just want you to Remember the reasons why you took this opportunity and the Journey it has cost you to finally receiving the acceptance to being an ESL teacher!! Remember your motivational Essays aswell. Its hard I bet but nothing is ever easy. Remember that you can come back home Anytime you want, but also you are not there for YOU but you are investing in your Future. You are going to share this experience with your Children someday and you will then feel like it was actually small waters❤❤✨✨KEEP GOING MY DARLING!! GO FORTH BLACK CHILD 💪🏾💪🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾BLACK DONT CRACK BABES!!!
Thanx for a great eye opening videos, sorry you are feeling the way you are after leaving SA again, but can tell you that many of my friends who have moved to other countries have very similar experiences. Although they do not regret leaving for better opportunities elsewhere, there are definitely aspects of South Africa that they miss and have never found elsewhere. I hope the transition back to South Korea isnt too hard and you able to still find small pockets of happiness that make the move still worth it. I have been enjoying your videos. Keep strong and good luck. ♥
Just arrived 3 days ago. I greeted a few people and got blanked😅 until I got the memo, this isn't SA, most some are wearing earpod and going on about their business. It has its perks though too. I'm in Goyang, anybody near me? 😭
I love this. Honest and insightful. Thank you. Here's another part we don't talk about enough, you go back home and after 4-6months (after the honeymoon of returning home fizzles), home is not home anymore. You go back to SA and realise you've changed and cannot return to a life you once lived. The beauty of it all is that Korea has changed you and you need to meet the new you and accept her. Finding yourself again after a stint abroad is the most confusing and tiresome thing no one talks about! But, if you open yourself up to (another!) change and be patient with yourself, it all works out relatively painlessly😁 just another side of the coin.
I first watched this video before moving to Korea, and I’m rewatching it again now after 7 months of working in Korea. I went back home to SA for a while, and since then, the rose colored glasses I had over Korea are gone. When I stepped foot in South Africa, I suddenly realized all of the things I found frustrating about Korea. I’ve been back in Korea for 2 weeks, and I’m really not happy here. My original plan was to stay 2-3 years, but I don’t see that happening anymore.
Block them girl!!!! I love it 😂❤ I can imagine how different South Korea is from SA. I'm trying to figure out whether I would want to move to SK or just go on holiday there. I could always visit SK many times but moving there would be something different 😊
I'm from the U.S. and we have a similar culture, stronger depending on the area. I could walk into the supermarket and have a life chat with a stranger. I remember trying to pull my oversized luggage off the train in Seoul station and was obviously struggling. Not one of the men with free arms around me offered to help, which made me feel even more alone. In the U.S. it's rude not to help someone who's visibly struggling. If you drop something, two people will try to pick it up for you. If you smile at someone, they smile back. I think this has really made me more culturally fatigued in Korea. Sometimes I WANT people to be up in my business. I hear a lot of people say "Koreans are so friendly!" but what I think they mean is that a single act of kindness here feels much more rare and special than in our hometowns, where it's expected.
I couldn’t have said it better myself! I’m so glad that I’m not the only one feeling this way. Sometimes I’d be thinking “Am I an entitled foreigner? Or is everyone feeling what I’m feeling?” So I’m so happy that you have shared your experience. And when you said “…this has really made me more culturally fatigued…” Yep!!!!!!
I'm looking forward to finishing up my studies and joining the program to teach in Korea. I am from the US, California specifically. I left Cali for about 10 years and recently returned and I'm dying to leave again. My dad told me if I wasn't from here and if he wasn't here, Cali wouldn't have even been on my radar and he is so right. I hate it here. The people are dense, it's boring if you're not the party type. The more time passes, the worse it gets. It was so nice as a kid, but as an adult... nope. I need to leave again ASAP and never return.
I hope Korea will be more to your liking. And there are so many things that you can do that don’t involve partying. I wish you all the best and I am rooting for you
BRING SNACKS! BRING SPICY’s even if they just sit in your cupboard when you get here just bring some things. But if your family can send care packages even better! You’ll only have lays and pringels here 😂 and its just not enough what ever space you have put things in
@@crsntmnhtn listen very carefully, pack the whole shop😂 im telling you, you dont wanna regret it!!! Pack Pack Pack if there is space honey even the things you hate😂😂😂they will give you comfort here😂😂 yes im in SK already!! Shame theres alot you will love here but PACKKKK. Also pack chips man i tell you not unless you like sugar on your chips or no salt on your chips pack yourself some nik nax etc gurllllllll!!!! Dont bring a cute small aromat dont do that the BIG one you will need 😂. Also people dont say this i know its tmi leave the pads and the collgate just bring one. Korea has great pads well tampons im not sure. So if you have alot of pads REMOVE them not unless you going to orientation just one packet is enough. Use that space for something meaningful.
@@londekazulu2460 LMAO! 😂😂😂 "it will give you comfort". Me & a jar of marmite will be like that 🤣 It's good you're mentioning the pads, I made provision for 2 months 🤦🏻♀️ with the snacks neh, because you seem headstrong on this 🤣 but with the snacks, will I just need to declare it at the airport? What's the process like? Shame, I'm not ready. I like to eat, especially comfort food 😂😂 if y'all need Romany Creams etc, I'm your plug 🤣
@@crsntmnhtn Listen just double check whats illegal to bring in and not. Like dont pack biltong its illegal, i kight be wrong but last i checked dont do that. Girl LEAVE THE PADS ALONE😂 i just had my snacks in my suitcase and they scanned and said nothing. Girl youll find new snacks you will LOVEEEEE but that taste from home is needed once in a while😂dont finish your snacks that first week you arrive😂😂😂
Lmao the cold drink thing had me shook in OR Tambo and it was also a lady in the bathroom lmao. I walked in she was talking to a white lady and she didn't ask her cold drink but she asked me🤣🤣🤣
No, because as South Africans, we're actually really special. You don't find what we have at home in other countries. Awesome video my friend, but then again, every video you make is amazing so...🤣🤷🏽♀️🥰🥰🥰
I'm not from SA but I totally get what ur saying. As for the conversations with strangers, I noticed in very rural areas people were more likely to spark up a conversation and tell me their whole life store as compared to in city areas. And usually it would be elderly people to do so, young people still kept to themselves. I also drive in Korea and the yes!! i hate how they have no regard for pedestrians. But i think it'll change soon because the law became stricter recently.
Oh yes! People are more open to talk to strangers in the rural areas. And you’re right, it’s usually the elderly that talk to me or elementary school students… I hope it changes because this is not it.
LISTEN !!!! I've been talking about how Ubuntu is not na thing in Korea. Like yes as much as its an African word but the concept itself should be internatinal surely? but ai it does not exist in Korea
Now that we’re talking about it; you’re right, the concept itself is international. A lot of cultures around the world support collectivism rather than individualism. So I wonder if it’s because of the language barrier.. maybe Ubuntu is extended to other Koreans but because some people are shy or uncomfortable with speaking English… it’s not extended to us…. I wonder…
Hi Letty great content! I used to study and teach in Taiwan and now considering coming Korea, do u have time for a few questions privately? Hope to hear from you ❤
Like? Do we not have right of way as pedestrians? How many times have i almost gotten hit by a car bathong😭😭😭 I even had to sit down one day and google their driving rules.
😂🤣🤣🤣 Not you googling driving rules. Please tell us; do we have a right of way on the pedestrian crossing or not? Because I’m still confused! No one stops for the PEDESTRIANS!
Hi I'm Glen. First, i do apologize. so frustrated and sad for me either some kind of differences you experienced. We can talk those things later. Ahh, it is hard for me to keep watching this video. Try to find a place you want to go in Yeosu. until next Sat.
Thank you for sharing your experience :) and validating what I felt when I went home too for this winter vacation lol. It truly made me appreciate South Africa so much more and the people you have around you. I never understood when people would say I'm brave for moving abroad but it's truly not for the faint hearted moving abroad, especially a country where english is not the meduim of communication. I dreaded coming back lol ! It's truly a love/hate type of relationship.
The second I landed at Incheon, I wanted to cry! It really is because there are so many amazing things about SK, I had missed some of them when I was home but I still dreaded coming back. I wish it was possible to go home each and every two weeks OR MONTHLY!
Yes, I renewed my contract. If your school is happy with you, they will ask you if you want to renew your contract or not… so I really like my school and always knew that I wanted to stay for another year!
Honestly cried watching this. Like you said you can be happy to be here but miss home dearly because this is not home. Being a foreigner in SK is challenging. Ah man its not easy. Also with Epik it lonely man. I even think about the Hagwon route but the holidaysssssss man😂😂😂😂😂
Heyyy, may I ask. Since you mentioned EPIK. If I didn't get accepted into the March intake. Should I wait for August or just apply for any other program?
@@MassiveViewsOnly Girl listen dont wait that long. If you have all your documentation you can go to Korean Horizons and use a recruiter, its free, named Alister. There are programs called the GOE and the CNOE. You will have an Epik contract but you will just know which province you are going to because these 2 programs are 2 provinces in Korea one in the North close to Seoul the other in the South close to Busan. They say they are rural but its really not that rural. Rural in korea is different from rural in SA. If you wanna get here soon they always have posts available so you can even get a post now. Also Alister is Amazing you just dont wanna waste his time get your documents done. He does everything. So long story short, yes, dont wait. Then once you are here you can just change after your one year contract to other provinces but you would have to reapply but its a bit easier doing it from here because all your documents are here already. Hope this helps.
Also when you say March you talking about the late intake too? Because if not theres also that. But i hope all works out for you. There are also Hagwons but they come with their own things girl.😂
@@londekazulu2460 everything, but my PCC is ready. And Alistair is the person that was assisting me. He just got angry with me coz of this long wait. Thank you for your help. He mentioned vele hore once I'm ready, we can get to work again. So hopefully before the end of this month
Lol SA you even greet a complete stranger in the cbd and it's not regarded weird at all lol. You'll greet each other like you've met before. In Korea You'll never find that 😂😂. In the questions Koreans ask I think you forgot to mention "Why Korea?" I always get asked that question by Koreans.
The amount of time I have had great and meaningful conversations with strangers back home. Oh I haven’t been asked that. And thanks the leaving a comment
Injalo ke iSouth A😂😂😂ucelwa i R2 ne R10 ze cooldrink.😢Adjusting to a different country takes alot of willingness, it takes alot from you. The first few months are just so difficult. Mna shem here in Taiwan, I wish they can stop boiling everything, everything is swimming in water (soup).
It's really difficult hey, we make it look easy on social media but ziyakhala. 😅 There's a dish here that's like that and I LOVE IT!!! the chicken is swimming in soup and it's just so good, but it's one of the few dishes, not everything.
Do you believe that going back home helped you you become more self aware?....because through this evolution, it'll help you better express yourself and in those interactions assit you in highlighting your difference with S.Korea and also find similarities. I dont take for granted the fact that you say that perhaps the language barrier doesnt aid you in understating the people you live with so this is differently a new challenge
Absolutely! It really has. And now that I’m back in Korea, I realised that I’m okay here. As much as I miss home and still experience ups and downs, I’m still happy here. I have amazing friends, my coworkers are so good to me, you have no idea! And my students make teaching soo fulfilling. And yes, I could learn Korean to become closer with the people and understand a bit more, that is on me. It wouldn’t be fair to point out everything I don’t like without talking about my shortcomings as well.
Lol i think i was exhausted when I typed this message. Im so sorry cause it must've taken s minute to try get what TF I'm sating. But sis its been a hot MINUTE simce you uploaded a video Haaa!!!
Oh absolutely. But not anytime soon, as much as I’m having ups and downs here, I still love living in Korea and there’s so much to see, learn and experience so not anytime soon.
@@LettyMapstheWorld As a black American I already know what's up. As a black African you certainly know what's up that's why I did not understand your point..It's no secret how they feel and discriminate against blacks from different countries and how the feel about the black race as a whole.
Hey Letty, im a big fan of ur channel # I might be coming to SK in March/ April still waiting for my POE letter Just would like to ask why it took You 18 months to finally go home# are you binded by the contract or it was out of choice?
Hey Thobeka, I hope you’re in SK now or preparing to come in April. I felt that it was too soon to come after a year so I chose to wait a little bit longer
Despite all the problems we may have as a country, South Africa is an amazing place to live. We are genuinely raised with the spirit of UBUNTU. I'm listening to you as you speak and realising all the little things that are normal to me and that I may take for granted. Something as small as keeping the door open for someone who's coming, I mean I experience that every day and it's something I do naturally.
I think with every decision we take there are sacrifices. This takes me back to your video on the sacrifices you make to live abroad. As much as living in another country affords you opportunities you wouldn't have if you were still in SA, it is still not home. And as much as being home with your people is amazing, you may not be fully satisfied with your job and opportunities etc.
Thank you for making this video, it's great to help us think of stuff like these as we consider options of moving out of our home countries 💛
Honestly, I don’t know how to reply to this comment because you worded everything soooo nicely! I love it and I really couldn’t have said it better myself! ❤️
Yoooooo!!! 😢so this is what I can expect with a trip home 🫣 thank you for sharing.
Would you say that you have a new found appreciation for SA and SA culture? Things that we took for granted before life in Korea.
Beautiful video Letty! For anyone who hasn’t been to SA or doesn’t have an idea about life in SA and people in SA, this is the video to watch! A proudly South African video ❤
I don’t think you are overreacting 😢 🥺 everything you spoke about are things I miss about being home, to go home and be reminded of who you are, where you come from, your people - then have to leave all of that behind for the totally different way of life we experience here, your feelings are valid.
Thank you so much Annah!
Absolutely, living life led by Ubuntu is something that’s so natural to us, it’s a way of life, and to not experience that made me realise just how special it is! And coming from one of the most diverse countries in the world is special and I believe that’s why South Africans are so confident and social because we’re so used to communicating with racially and cultural diverse people all the time.
Being back in SA also made me fall in love with certain aspect of the Korean culture and Korea in general.
If you ever get the chance to go home, please do it! I know that we always want to travel to the neighbouring countries and going home is even more expensive but it is so worth it.
Sending you lots of love and light as you adjust to life back in Korea and get ready to start the new school year! 🌸
Wena ne okare ke lle when I heard “annyonghaseyo”😫😫
It’s one of those things gore home is home and home will always be home,no matter where you go!
Sis!! Just when we landed I was on a verge of tears!
Home will always be home ❤️ so many you tubers dont stress enough about how home sickness hits once the excitement dies down. I spent years planning to move abroad and now that i finally did it i really just miss home and family and the feeling of belonging.
Stay strong ❤️
It’s so confusing because even though I enjoyed being home, there were so many things about Korea that I missed… it’s just so confusing.
But should you ever the chance to go home, even if it’s for a week, do it!
It's the I know how to block people now on RUclips for me 😂😂
Home will always be home, and it's home for a reason. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
🤣😂😂 hey I had to learn how to block people! The internet is filled with amazing people but there are thoooose ones, Ae.
🌸
Hey Letty! It's me, Letty(Lethabo, lol). I commented on one of your videos a few months ago saying that I wanted to come to SK. Welp, I'm here! In Daejeon, to be specific. I've been here for about 3 months and lemme tell you, girl, I cannot wait to go back home! I can totally relate 1000% with what you're saying in this video because I'm experiencing this. SA is sooooo different from SK and it's evident. And I'm experiencing one of the worst experiences yoh! Nobody talks about how hard the first few months are. Adjusting to life here is so difficult bro. Anywho, I love your content and I hope that we'll meet some day.
It will get better. You will get stronger trust me. Just cry it out soon enough you will find your feet.
@@londekazulu2460 thank you! I really hope it comes really soon!
@@lethabomakweya4257 Here is a place you will have to learn to be patient with yourself. 🌻 youll get there
@@londekazulu2460 You’re right! I have no choice but to
I agree with this! The amount of times I have cried things out… and I do feel better afterwards.
Hey Letty I am glad you mentioned it. Life/ emotions and feelings are not black and white. You can love something and still be annoyed or hate it😂😂😂 Emily Boitumelo is in China and recently visited SA and she went back to China and said coming back to SA solidified the plan she always had that she’s coming back. South African really felt home. It felt right. It fitted. She enjoyed it so much !!!!! What you’re feeling is totally valid.
I have watched some of Emily Boitumelo's videos, I missed that one. I'll watch it.
Thank you so much for your comment, I really appreciate it.
I’m from America and honestly it depends on the personality and upbringing of a person here in America. I’ve learned not to expect from anyone. As a Christian I know that people will always fail you because that’s the human way. I rarely get help from a cab/ Uber driver with my luggage/bags they open the trunk and never get out of the car. People mind their own business a simple nod when eye contact is given is all I’ve seen. Usually people that start conversations are just naturally chatty and talk to anyone and everyone. Holding the door for a person is a hit or miss. I have naturally curly hair and when I wear it down and curly, it never fails they ask questions they want to touch it they want to know where I’m from because of my hair. I don’t get bothered by it because I know that we as human beings are naturally curious about what is strange and/or new to us. So when we visit other countries we have to understand that they have a culture that’s different from us and we have to respect that as visitors in their country, and if you are planning on living in “their” country then it’s your duty to respect and adjust to their way of living.
I love how open you are about everything you experiencing. Its not wrong to feel the way you do its part of the journey you are on.
You renewed your contract 🎉🎉!! Thank you for this genuine communication you are having with US. We are here as your South African Family and I just want you to Remember the reasons why you took this opportunity and the Journey it has cost you to finally receiving the acceptance to being an ESL teacher!! Remember your motivational Essays aswell. Its hard I bet but nothing is ever easy. Remember that you can come back home Anytime you want, but also you are not there for YOU but you are investing in your Future. You are going to share this experience with your Children someday and you will then feel like it was actually small waters❤❤✨✨KEEP GOING MY DARLING!! GO FORTH BLACK CHILD 💪🏾💪🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾BLACK DONT CRACK BABES!!!
Nkululeko, thank you so much! You have no idea how appreciative I am of this comment!
Thank you so much!
Its really sad because South Africa has such a awesome culture and generally great lifestyle besides the poorly run government and crime
Exactly! That’s the problem. I was so anxious when I was home because of how bad the crime is..
Thanx for a great eye opening videos, sorry you are feeling the way you are after leaving SA again, but can tell you that many of my friends who have moved to other countries have very similar experiences. Although they do not regret leaving for better opportunities elsewhere, there are definitely aspects of South Africa that they miss and have never found elsewhere. I hope the transition back to South Korea isnt too hard and you able to still find small pockets of happiness that make the move still worth it. I have been enjoying your videos. Keep strong and good luck. ♥
Thank you so much for this comment!❤️ I really thought that I was acting bratty…so it brings so much comfort to know that many people feel this way.
@@LettyMapstheWorld Your so welcome. 🥰 glad I was able to bring you some comfort.
Just arrived 3 days ago. I greeted a few people and got blanked😅 until I got the memo, this isn't SA, most some are wearing earpod and going on about their business. It has its perks though too. I'm in Goyang, anybody near me? 😭
True
🤣😂😂 I used to feel so awkward in the elevator… I’d greet but sometimes you’d see that people are caught off guard 🤣. Now I just mind my own business
I love this. Honest and insightful. Thank you. Here's another part we don't talk about enough, you go back home and after 4-6months (after the honeymoon of returning home fizzles), home is not home anymore. You go back to SA and realise you've changed and cannot return to a life you once lived. The beauty of it all is that Korea has changed you and you need to meet the new you and accept her. Finding yourself again after a stint abroad is the most confusing and tiresome thing no one talks about! But, if you open yourself up to (another!) change and be patient with yourself, it all works out relatively painlessly😁 just another side of the coin.
THIS!!!! This is it! You’re so right. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
You're not alone on this. You hit the nail on the head
Welcome back Letty!! ❤
Thank you!!
I first watched this video before moving to Korea, and I’m rewatching it again now after 7 months of working in Korea. I went back home to SA for a while, and since then, the rose colored glasses I had over Korea are gone.
When I stepped foot in South Africa, I suddenly realized all of the things I found frustrating about Korea. I’ve been back in Korea for 2 weeks, and I’m really not happy here. My original plan was to stay 2-3 years, but I don’t see that happening anymore.
I don’t blame you at all for not wanting to stay as long as you had initially planned.
I understand completely! This country isn’t easy to live in
The cold drink story killed me😭🤣🤣🤣 please I love it here
I love the block energy 😂😂 block on the WhatsApp block on the Instagram block on the mixit block block block block 😂😂😂😂
LOL! We must block!! BLOCK BLOCK BLOCK!!
Impatiently waiting for that vlog because wow🤭🤭
Block them girl!!!! I love it 😂❤ I can imagine how different South Korea is from SA. I'm trying to figure out whether I would want to move to SK or just go on holiday there. I could always visit SK many times but moving there would be something different 😊
Visit first and when you do visit; try to spend some time in smaller towns just to see how you’d like it.
Even besides travelling I grew up having the same feelings about home and familiar setting as I was staying in two homes.
True that, we are and we do love learning about each other think it's becuase we have so many cultures :)
It’s actually amazing how many cultures we have. I love it, I feel like it has made us such sociable people.
With love from Port Elizabeth ❤️
I absolutely love you. And I'm also coming to Korea for the fall intake.
Thank you so much, and good luck!! I hope you will make good memories in Korea.
Keep going! You got this!
I'm from the U.S. and we have a similar culture, stronger depending on the area. I could walk into the supermarket and have a life chat with a stranger.
I remember trying to pull my oversized luggage off the train in Seoul station and was obviously struggling. Not one of the men with free arms around me offered to help, which made me feel even more alone. In the U.S. it's rude not to help someone who's visibly struggling. If you drop something, two people will try to pick it up for you. If you smile at someone, they smile back. I think this has really made me more culturally fatigued in Korea. Sometimes I WANT people to be up in my business.
I hear a lot of people say "Koreans are so friendly!" but what I think they mean is that a single act of kindness here feels much more rare and special than in our hometowns, where it's expected.
I couldn’t have said it better myself! I’m so glad that I’m not the only one feeling this way.
Sometimes I’d be thinking “Am I an entitled foreigner? Or is everyone feeling what I’m feeling?” So I’m so happy that you have shared your experience.
And when you said “…this has really made me more culturally fatigued…” Yep!!!!!!
I'm looking forward to finishing up my studies and joining the program to teach in Korea. I am from the US, California specifically. I left Cali for about 10 years and recently returned and I'm dying to leave again. My dad told me if I wasn't from here and if he wasn't here, Cali wouldn't have even been on my radar and he is so right. I hate it here. The people are dense, it's boring if you're not the party type. The more time passes, the worse it gets. It was so nice as a kid, but as an adult... nope. I need to leave again ASAP and never return.
I hope Korea will be more to your liking. And there are so many things that you can do that don’t involve partying.
I wish you all the best and I am rooting for you
Love from Cape Town ♥️
Lovely video Letty❤. Thank you so much for sharing how you feel. And yes you’re overreacting a bit, but it’s all 🥰
Leaving SA for SK on Sunday & I am dreading leaving behind my people 😥
BRING SNACKS! BRING SPICY’s even if they just sit in your cupboard when you get here just bring some things. But if your family can send care packages even better! You’ll only have lays and pringels here 😂 and its just not enough what ever space you have put things in
@@londekazulu2460 sjoe! You're going to make me pack bigga and aromat in bulk 😂 thanks for the tip! Are you currently in SK too?
@@crsntmnhtn listen very carefully, pack the whole shop😂 im telling you, you dont wanna regret it!!! Pack Pack Pack if there is space honey even the things you hate😂😂😂they will give you comfort here😂😂 yes im in SK already!! Shame theres alot you will love here but PACKKKK. Also pack chips man i tell you not unless you like sugar on your chips or no salt on your chips pack yourself some nik nax etc gurllllllll!!!! Dont bring a cute small aromat dont do that the BIG one you will need 😂. Also people dont say this i know its tmi leave the pads and the collgate just bring one. Korea has great pads well tampons im not sure. So if you have alot of pads REMOVE them not unless you going to orientation just one packet is enough. Use that space for something meaningful.
@@londekazulu2460 LMAO! 😂😂😂 "it will give you comfort". Me & a jar of marmite will be like that 🤣 It's good you're mentioning the pads, I made provision for 2 months 🤦🏻♀️ with the snacks neh, because you seem headstrong on this 🤣 but with the snacks, will I just need to declare it at the airport? What's the process like? Shame, I'm not ready. I like to eat, especially comfort food 😂😂 if y'all need Romany Creams etc, I'm your plug 🤣
@@crsntmnhtn Listen just double check whats illegal to bring in and not. Like dont pack biltong its illegal, i kight be wrong but last i checked dont do that. Girl LEAVE THE PADS ALONE😂 i just had my snacks in my suitcase and they scanned and said nothing. Girl youll find new snacks you will LOVEEEEE but that taste from home is needed once in a while😂dont finish your snacks that first week you arrive😂😂😂
Bathong sister,faa ausi wa batho ya cold drink😹😹😹😹😹
ANGEKE!!!😂😂😂
Lmao the cold drink thing had me shook in OR Tambo and it was also a lady in the bathroom lmao. I walked in she was talking to a white lady and she didn't ask her cold drink but she asked me🤣🤣🤣
THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME! I was turned off! I just said hi and she asked me questions then she asked for “cool drink”money… aaahhhh
No, because as South Africans, we're actually really special. You don't find what we have at home in other countries.
Awesome video my friend, but then again, every video you make is amazing so...🤣🤷🏽♀️🥰🥰🥰
Thank you so much friend ❤️
Thank you for sharing darling
I'm not from SA but I totally get what ur saying. As for the conversations with strangers, I noticed in very rural areas people were more likely to spark up a conversation and tell me their whole life store as compared to in city areas. And usually it would be elderly people to do so, young people still kept to themselves. I also drive in Korea and the yes!! i hate how they have no regard for pedestrians. But i think it'll change soon because the law became stricter recently.
Oh yes! People are more open to talk to strangers in the rural areas. And you’re right, it’s usually the elderly that talk to me or elementary school students…
I hope it changes because this is not it.
Watching you from Ireland I miss home so much Ubuntu lil things that you don’t get abroad
I hope you get to go home soon, even if it’s for a week.. being home is amazing
Letty I have to applaud you for going back to Korea it takes allt of courage to do that. Did u have to compile all the documents again ? Just curious
Thank you Xoli.
No I didn’t, I have my ARC (my Korean foreigner ID) so I just used that and my passport to come back to Korea.
The hair😍😍😍😍😍😍
LISTEN !!!! I've been talking about how Ubuntu is not na thing in Korea. Like yes as much as its an African word but the concept itself should be internatinal surely? but ai it does not exist in Korea
Now that we’re talking about it; you’re right, the concept itself is international. A lot of cultures around the world support collectivism rather than individualism.
So I wonder if it’s because of the language barrier.. maybe Ubuntu is extended to other Koreans but because some people are shy or uncomfortable with speaking English… it’s not extended to us…. I wonder…
‘I am because we are…’ ❤
IAWA
Oh yes! Ubuntu!
Hi Letty great content! I used to study and teach in Taiwan and now considering coming Korea, do u have time for a few questions privately? Hope to hear from you ❤
Yes, you can send me a message on Instagram
❤️😍😍 Yeeeeesssss!!!!!!
Like? Do we not have right of way as pedestrians? How many times have i almost gotten hit by a car bathong😭😭😭
I even had to sit down one day and google their driving rules.
😂🤣🤣🤣 Not you googling driving rules. Please tell us; do we have a right of way on the pedestrian crossing or not? Because I’m still confused! No one stops for the PEDESTRIANS!
Lol sounds like Joburg CBD. Almost got run over there😂
Hi I'm Glen. First, i do apologize. so frustrated and sad for me either some kind of differences you experienced. We can talk those things later. Ahh, it is hard for me to keep watching this video. Try to find a place you want to go in Yeosu. until next Sat.
Thank you for sharing your experience :) and validating what I felt when I went home too for this winter vacation lol. It truly made me appreciate South Africa so much more and the people you have around you. I never understood when people would say I'm brave for moving abroad but it's truly not for the faint hearted moving abroad, especially a country where english is not the meduim of communication. I dreaded coming back lol ! It's truly a love/hate type of relationship.
The second I landed at Incheon, I wanted to cry!
It really is because there are so many amazing things about SK, I had missed some of them when I was home but I still dreaded coming back. I wish it was possible to go home each and every two weeks OR MONTHLY!
Hi letty! All the best for your journey ❤️
I wanted to know if your contract is renewed? Or how does it work now that you back?
Yes, I renewed my contract. If your school is happy with you, they will ask you if you want to renew your contract or not… so I really like my school and always knew that I wanted to stay for another year!
Honestly cried watching this. Like you said you can be happy to be here but miss home dearly because this is not home. Being a foreigner in SK is challenging. Ah man its not easy. Also with Epik it lonely man. I even think about the Hagwon route but the holidaysssssss man😂😂😂😂😂
Heyyy, may I ask. Since you mentioned EPIK. If I didn't get accepted into the March intake. Should I wait for August or just apply for any other program?
@@MassiveViewsOnly Girl listen dont wait that long. If you have all your documentation you can go to Korean Horizons and use a recruiter, its free, named Alister. There are programs called the GOE and the CNOE. You will have an Epik contract but you will just know which province you are going to because these 2 programs are 2 provinces in Korea one in the North close to Seoul the other in the South close to Busan. They say they are rural but its really not that rural. Rural in korea is different from rural in SA. If you wanna get here soon they always have posts available so you can even get a post now. Also Alister is Amazing you just dont wanna waste his time get your documents done. He does everything. So long story short, yes, dont wait. Then once you are here you can just change after your one year contract to other provinces but you would have to reapply but its a bit easier doing it from here because all your documents are here already. Hope this helps.
Also when you say March you talking about the late intake too? Because if not theres also that. But i hope all works out for you. There are also Hagwons but they come with their own things girl.😂
It is so lonely tlhe! Yoo.. those ten-days holidays are just not it.
@@londekazulu2460 everything, but my PCC is ready. And Alistair is the person that was assisting me. He just got angry with me coz of this long wait.
Thank you for your help.
He mentioned vele hore once I'm ready, we can get to work again. So hopefully before the end of this month
Lol SA you even greet a complete stranger in the cbd and it's not regarded weird at all lol. You'll greet each other like you've met before. In Korea You'll never find that 😂😂. In the questions Koreans ask I think you forgot to mention "Why Korea?" I always get asked that question by Koreans.
The amount of time I have had great and meaningful conversations with strangers back home.
Oh I haven’t been asked that.
And thanks the leaving a comment
Injalo ke iSouth A😂😂😂ucelwa i R2 ne R10 ze cooldrink.😢Adjusting to a different country takes alot of willingness, it takes alot from you. The first few months are just so difficult. Mna shem here in Taiwan, I wish they can stop boiling everything, everything is swimming in water (soup).
It's really difficult hey, we make it look easy on social media but ziyakhala. 😅 There's a dish here that's like that and I LOVE IT!!! the chicken is swimming in soup and it's just so good, but it's one of the few dishes, not everything.
Do you believe that going back home helped you you become more self aware?....because through this evolution, it'll help you better express yourself and in those interactions assit you in highlighting your difference with S.Korea and also find similarities. I dont take for granted the fact that you say that perhaps the language barrier doesnt aid you in understating the people you live with so this is differently a new challenge
Absolutely! It really has. And now that I’m back in Korea, I realised that I’m okay here. As much as I miss home and still experience ups and downs, I’m still happy here. I have amazing friends, my coworkers are so good to me, you have no idea! And my students make teaching soo fulfilling.
And yes, I could learn Korean to become closer with the people and understand a bit more, that is on me. It wouldn’t be fair to point out everything I don’t like without talking about my shortcomings as well.
Lol i think i was exhausted when I typed this message. Im so sorry cause it must've taken s minute to try get what TF I'm sating. But sis its been a hot MINUTE simce you uploaded a video Haaa!!!
@@chumamilisanwabisampetshwa3883 🤣😂. Yes it has. I just finished editing a video and it should be up by tonight or latest tomorrow evening
한국인이지만 깊은 사과를 올린다
Thank you for your comment; it is not all bad. I have made beautiful memories here and still love living here.
당신의 한국에서의 삶을 응원할게요💛
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!
Have you tried branching out and making Korean friends
Yes I have and the ones I have are some of the most supportive people I know. It's not easy making friends when there's a big language barrier.
Bathong,why Pako asa tlhagelle?🥲🥲
O tlo mmona on the other videos.
Would you consider moving to China? 🥰
Oh absolutely. But not anytime soon, as much as I’m having ups and downs here, I still love living in Korea and there’s so much to see, learn and experience so not anytime soon.
Bathong sesii,o block di subscriber?😹😹😹😹😹😹
BLOCK BLOCK BLOCK!
Hi letty do you know of a reliable recruiter?
i used GoldKey Education to apply, they don't work with EPIK anymore. but you can check out Korvia and Korean Horizons
Cold drink 😂😂😂😂😂
I don't understand the point of the video but good luck in Korea you will need it!
Watch it again, then maybe you’ll understand.
@@LettyMapstheWorld As a black American I already know what's up. As a black African you certainly know what's up that's why I did not understand your point..It's no secret how they feel and discriminate against blacks from different countries and how the feel about the black race as a whole.
Hey Letty, im a big fan of ur channel # I might be coming to SK in March/ April still waiting for my POE letter
Just would like to ask why it took You 18 months to finally go home# are you binded by the contract or it was out of choice?
Hey Thobeka, I hope you’re in SK now or preparing to come in April.
I felt that it was too soon to come after a year so I chose to wait a little bit longer
❤
There's no Ubuntu out there...cheer up my friend
Thank you friend.
❤❤❤
Please Ausi waka,can we talk about how pretty you look.🥹🥹
Umhle sisi🥹❤️
Thank you so much, my sweets ❤️
❤