Name: Saphon Somolireasmey
Nationality: Cambodian
Age: 27
Major: Philosophy of Education

1. How is your life in Korea?

When I came here, it was difficult. I faced culture shock, lifestyle, and even language difficulties. I didn’t know even a word of Korean. I thought that English would be an appropriate language to speak. However, I can use English only in some environments at school. Moreover, the food, the weather, and the environment are completely different from my country. Now, I can understand this, so everything seems normal for me. I am starting to like some points of the Korean lifestyle.

2. How did you study English in Cambodia, and what is the difference between studying English in Cambodia and in Korea?

We started to study English at high school. Then, I took 2 majors, Philosophy of Education and English for Communication, in university. I had to try hard to improve my speaking, listening, and reading skills to reach a professional level. At school or at home, I have to study English as much as I can.
I am not sure about the difference between Cambodia and Korea because I don’t know the education system of Korea very well. I think that the difference is in our country, students are forced to self study in both direct and indirect ways.

3. Since you started to teach English to Korean students, what do you think of teaching them?

It’s a kind of sharing because they are also good at English, especially grammar and reading. However, the most difficult thing for them is speaking. They do not have enough time to improve it because of the schedule of extra study and some other conditions. Thus, I think they should try to speak English as much as they can, with Koreans and foreigners, and not hesitate to make mistakes.

4. What are the difficulties you face when you learn Korean?

First, the grammatical structure is really different. Cambodian is the same as English, S+V+O, but Korean is S+O+V. In addition, in the Korean Language Center, we learn only everyday language. However, the most important thing for foreign students is the language for their specific major in order to understand a class. Because of this, most students face a lot of problems when they get into university.

5. Even though you could have gone to another country, why did you make the decision to come to Korea?

I chose to study here to learn Korean. I can learn another language beside English, and it is a good opportunity for me to find a job in my country. Moreover, I want to experience living in an Asian country before I study for my PhD in Europe.