Countries have very different geographical features, languages and ethnicities. These characteristics contribute to cultural differences. South Korea and Liechtenstein have very different characteristics, and therefore their cultures are also very different. I think it is quite exciting to understand other countries’ cultures. I also think you can’t truly experience these cultural differences unless you live there yourself. So, I was very excited when I first came to Liechtenstein. Since Liechtenstein is located in the centre of Europe and is close to many countries, I thought I could experience many different cultures.

There are also many students from other countries at the University of Liechtenstein. I thought it was a great opportunity to experience the cultures of other countries.

When I first arrived in Liechtenstein, I had a hard time finding my way to the dormitory because my phone connection didn’t work well. However, everyone kindly helped me. Thanks to their help, I was able to arrive safely at the dormitory. At that time, I thought the people of Liechtenstein were very kind.

The residents of Vaduz are also very friendly. They greet each other kindly when they meet on the street and often accompany their greetings with a bright smile. This culture even makes me feel better. It also gives me the feeling that I am a member of this country.

In contrast, in Korea, people do not usually greet each other when they meet on the street, and they often look tired. The city can feel very desolate. In Korea, people used to be friendlier and exchange greetings with their neighbours. However, nowadays, it can feel very awkward, and people often don’t even say hello. That’s why I feel more like a stranger than a neighbour. So, I really like Liechtenstein’s greeting culture.

When I first came to Liechtenstein, I was surprised by the difference in greeting culture compared with Korea. However, I have now fallen in love with Liechtenstein’s greeting culture. Even after going back to Korea, I think I will miss it.

At first, it was difficult to confidently greet my neighbours. However, I am now used to the culture enough to say hello first. Sometimes I even use ‘hoi’. I have been able to say hello with confidence, and I feel better after doing so.

When I first came to Europe, I was also worried about racism. However, I did not experience racial discrimination here, which made me very happy. I think one of the biggest factors that contributed to this feeling was the greeting culture.

Another cultural difference became apparent during classes. In Korea, professors do not ask students many questions, and students do not usually ask questions either. However, here, students freely ask questions and discuss topics with the professor during class.

In Korea, when I have a question, I often try to solve it myself or ask my friends. I also do not usually challenge a professor’s opinion. I worry that the class will be extended because of a question and that other students will not like it. I also think it can be considered rude to refute a professor’s opinion. But here, everything feels more open. So, I can obtain more accurate information and freely share my thoughts.

When I first came to the University of Liechtenstein and attended classes, I was a little afraid that the professor would ask me questions. This was because I was afraid to speak in front of other students. I also could not speak English very well. However, I can now freely express my opinions. Since coming to the University of Liechtenstein, asking many questions and answering many questions, I have gained a lot of confidence.

There are so many cultural differences between Korea and Liechtenstein. While living in Liechtenstein, I learned about the cultural differences of various countries. Because of this, as time has passed, I have become more confident and positive than before.