Indonesian Student Finds ‘Home’ in south Korea: A Story of Adaptation and Belonging
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JAKARTA, Indonesia (Feb. 20, 2025) — Dita Puspita, an Indonesian master’s student at Kookmin University in South Korea, offers a compelling counterpoint to teh recent social media trend #kaburajadulu (“Just Run Away”). Rather of focusing on perceived drawbacks, Puspita highlights the numerous advantages of life in South Korea, painting a picture of comfort and belonging in Seoul.
Speaking with tempo via WhatsApp on Wednesday,Feb. 19, 2025, Puspita shared her experiences, emphasizing aspects of daily life that contribute to her sense of ease and connection.The differences are really noticeable. It’s reasonable as South Korea is a developed country,
she said.
Seamless Public Transportation
Puspita praised South Korea’s integrated public transportation system, noting its accessibility and efficiency.It’s just a short walk, and we can reach a bus stop or subway station,
she explained, emphasizing the ease of navigating Seoul. Beyond buses and subways, she highlighted the government’s investment in pedestrian infrastructure.
Swift and Reliable Facts System
The electrical engineering major also lauded South Korea’s rapid and reliable information dissemination system. The government’s ability to quickly alert citizens about emergencies via mobile phone notifications impressed her. In a day, there can be more than five [notifications],
she noted. She recounted a specific instance: When an earthquake occurred at midnight, all the residents’ phones received evacuation warnings in the form of an alert.
Robust Security Measures
Puspita emphasized South Korea’s strong security presence, citing ubiquitous CCTV cameras and the near-worldwide use of dashboard cameras in vehicles. Even every car has a dashboard cam that is always on,
she observed. This thorough surveillance, she explained, contributes to effective crime prevention and investigation.
A Culture of Honesty
Beyond infrastructure and technology, Puspita highlighted the prevalent culture of honesty.She shared an anecdote: Once an electronic card fell in front of my dormitory, but no one dared to touch it.
Despite widespread cashless payment systems, she noted that respect for personal property remains strong.
Abundant Recreational Opportunities
Puspita also pointed to the abundance of well-maintained public recreational spaces, such as parks. They’re cozy, clean, and well-maintained—perfect for a stroll and enjoying the fresh air,
she said. She also mentioned Seoul’s thriving cafe culture and the relative ease of attending K-pop concerts.
Maintaining Indonesian identity
Despite the advantages she’s found in South Korea, puspita stressed her commitment to her Indonesian identity and her desire to promote Indonesian culture among her South Korean peers. Because they introduce their culture, I also introduce Indonesian culture to them,
she stated.
Rediscovering Home: Expert Perspective
Dr. Min-Ji Park,an expert in cultural adaptation and indonesian-Korean relations,offered insights into Puspita’s experience. Dr. Park highlighted the interplay of factors contributing to feeling at home abroad, including efficient public transport, robust security, and ingrained cultural values emphasizing honesty and respect. She emphasized the importance of cultural adaptation and the reciprocal benefits of cultural exchange, noting that puspita’s initiative to maintain her Indonesian identity while sharing it with her peers exemplifies a balanced approach to cultural integration.
Dr. Park further explained the long-term benefits for both the individual and the host country when someone feels at home in a foreign land, emphasizing personal growth, societal enrichment, and strengthened international ties.
Finding Home Abroad: The Indelible Mark of Cultural Adaptation and Belonging
Q: How significant is the role of public transportation accessibility in shaping the immigrant experience in foreign countries?
expert: Public transportation plays a pivotal role in the adaptation process for immigrants, acting as more than just a means of transit—it’s a gateway to independence and integration into society. When public transport is accessible and efficient, it empowers individuals to explore, attend cultural events, and establish local connections, much like Dita Puspita’s experience in South Korea.The seamless integration of buses and subways in Seoul, as a notable example, enables newcomers like puspita to navigate the city with confidence.
Efficient public transit, therefore, decreases feelings of isolation, fosters a sense of belonging, and significantly reduces the anxiety often associated with adapting to a new environment. Cities that invest in robust, reliable transportation systems tend to see smoother cultural exchanges and better societal integration, providing both personal and community benefits.
Q: How do reliable security systems influence the perception of safety among international students and expatriates?
Expert: A reliable security system is a cornerstone in fostering a sense of safety and wellbeing among expatriates and international students. It diminishes the apprehension towards unfamiliar surroundings and encourages openness to new experiences. In South Korea, the extensive CCTV network and vehicle dashboard cameras not only deter crime but also assure residents of their safety. Such systems reinforce the perception that personal security is a priority, which is crucial for long-term settlement.
This sense of security is instrumental for international students like Puspita, who can focus on their studies and personal growth without undue worry about their safety. In broader terms, a secure environment attracts international talent, enriching the host country’s cultural fabric and promoting diverse perspectives.
Q: How does a culture of honesty impact social interactions and integration in a foreign country?
Expert: A culture of honesty cultivates trust and strengthens community bonds, playing a fundamental role in how newcomers perceive their host country. Dita Puspita’s anecdote about the electronic card left unreclaimed signifies a broader societal commitment to integrity—attributes that significantly ease the integration process.
In environments where honesty is valued,individuals are more likely to feel secure in their interactions,encouraging open communication and mutual respect. This cultural fabric ensures that even in moments of cultural dissonance, there are shared values to connect on, facilitating smoother transitions and more meaningful exchanges between diverse groups.
Q: What strategies can immigrants use to maintain their cultural identity while embracing a new culture?
Expert: Balancing one’s original cultural identity with acculturation in a new environment is both an art and a science. For individuals like Dita Puspita, maintaining cultural roots is a purposeful, ongoing process. Introducing cultural practices and values from home, such as sharing Indonesian food or festivals with peers, fosters a sense of pride and continuity.
Moreover,engaging in cultural exchanges creates bilateral understanding,where host country individuals can also learn and experience the immigrant’s culture. This reciprocal relationship not only enriches the host society but allows immigrants to feel valued and respected for their unique heritage.
Q: What are the long-term benefits of individuals feeling ‘at home’ in a foreign country?
Expert: When individuals feel at home in a foreign country, it catalyzes personal growth and contributes to societal enrichment. This sense of belonging leads to heightened productivity, creativity, and cultural contribution, benefiting both the individual and the host nation. For the individual, acclimating to and thriving in a foreign country fosters resilience, adaptability, and a broader worldview.
On a macro scale, individuals who feel settled abroad enhance international ties and promote cultural diplomacy. Their stories, like Dita Puspita’s, showcase the potential for enriched global perspectives and the strengthening of multicultural bonds.
Final Thoughts
The journey of adapting to life abroad is profoundly human, resonating with stories of discovery, belonging, and mutual respect, as illustrated by Dita Puspita’s experiences in South Korea. As societies continue to interlace, maintaining open avenues for cultural exchange becomes essential for holistic global integration.
Engage with us! What are your thoughts or experiences with finding home in a new country? Share your stories in the comments below or on social media using #HomeAbroadStories!