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Adjusting to life in a new city: Essays from EC Boston's Intermediate Students

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Seahyun Oh

Before I came to Boston, I didn’t know about it so I found some information about Boston. After I searched for information, I knew some of the difference between my city and Boston. In my city when we come to the house, we have to take off the shoes. But in Boston, they don’t have to do that. And when we go outside, almost all Koreans are usually conscious of the way other people are looking at them but Boston people don’t care much. We can’t walk across the crosswalk when the traffic light is red, but in Boston they can walk whenever they want.

When I came to Boston, I was surprised because of these things. In my first week, I couldn’t get used to the new things . All these things were new for me. So I made mistakes frequently for a few weeks. For example when I went to restaurant with my friend, we paid the 10~15% tips after meals. Because I’d never paid tips in Korea. Also when I came to my friend’s house, sometimes I didn’t get used to putting on shoes. In addition, there were a lot of mistakes since I came here. I was a little bit nervous if I made some mistakes. But also I was interested in Boston because it’s my first time living in another country by myself. So I tried to get used to adapting to this situation.

After few months, I changed many things in my life. I had to get used to something in Boston. I got used to walking across the crosswalk, putting on shoes in house and paying some extra tips. Sometimes I’m worried about this life. Because after I go back to Korea, I will do something that I did in Boston. But I’m already used to Boston life.

Now, I’m used to adapting here. I’m very comfortable about this life. If I give to me some advice, I’ll tell to me that I have to get used to the new surroundings wherever I live. – Seahyun Oh, Korea


Roberto Gama

I enjoy living alone because it’s so necessary for myself and my life. In Campina Grande, i always had take a bus or train, I wasn’t used to cooking, but here it’s very different or maybe exciting!

My first week was incredible, I enjoyed meeting other people, from different countries in the World, it is amazing! Learning about other cultures, other “ways of life”, it is a big pleasure of course. My classmates were from Korea, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Colombia. I used to  go to School every day , but for many years i didn’t go to School. Today it’s a routine for me, the Teachers are so nice, and friendly too!

I’m living in a  homestay, a beautiful place in South Boston named Shawmut Hill, it’s so nice, I’m use to sleeping in a basement, do you believe it? It’s strange, but here it’s so normal, because here, it’s not common to have a Big House. Now I am used to using the Train every day, it’s good, but not excellent! I’m eating lots of vegetables here, because then I never liked them in Brazil. And i have been to new places: museums, parks, and gardens.

I feel so good in Boston, I miss my parents, my sister, my friends, but this time will be needed, it’s justified i think. In my mind I have a sentence, every day I say to myself: “When you’re in Rome, do as the Romans do”. – Roberto Gama, Brazil

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