YTSS Korea Field Trip 2014: Day 6: Daegu Home Stay Programme 2 (11/11/2014; Tuesday)

Day 6 (11/11): Daegu Home Stay Programme 2

Key Inquiry Questions:

Reflection from Group 1:
I enjoyed the hospitality of the Koreans, especially my buddy and her family. They welcomed us with their cheerful smiles and treated us well. My buddy actually communicated with us quite well despite the language barrier and her family welcomed us by making us feel comfortable and at home.

I’m uncomfortable with their way of brushing their teeth as they did not actually have a proper sink but just a tap near the floor. That way, we actually had to bend down to brush our teeth and use the tap.

I would like to incorporate the hospitality that they have as I feel that it’s important to inculcate this politeness and kindness to make others feel welcomed. They are also very appreciative of what they have without complaining that they want more.

Contributed by Nadya

Reflection from Group 2:
The thing that I liked the most about the homestay is that the people in the school are very friendly. They made me feel at home and always ensure that we were comfortable in classes, programmes and homestay. When I first stepped into the school, I felt awkward as everyone stared at us. But their grand welcoming ceremony really touched me.

One thing I was uncomfortable about was the language barrier between my buddy and her parents. However, with the use of technology, we were able to communicate and understand each other. This allowed me to understand more about the life of Koreans.

One thing that I would like to incorporate is the discipline of the students. Despite their stressful life in school, having academy after school and enrichment programmes, they would complete their homework in time and sleep early and prepare for school the next day. The self-discipline that most Korean students have is really respectable and we should really learn from them in order to do better in school and maintain our health.

Contribute by Xiu Hui

Reflection from Group 3:
One thing I liked about the homestay is that I realized that they emphasize a lot on being respectful to others especially their elders. They also treat their guests to the best of their ability. When I stepped into my buddy’s house, her family started talking to me a lot to know more about me. They also asked me about how is Singapore like and tried to make me feel at home.

One thing that I felt uncomfortable with is that they get really affectionate and overly kind at times. At my buddy’s house, her parents kept wanting to help me with a lot of things and it was really hard to reject them because they keep insisting. They also get really aggressive and are very direct with their feelings.

One thing that I would like to incorporate back in Singapore is the respect that they give to their elders. They also have the habit of greeting everyone they see and thanking people.

Contribute by Ang Yuet

Reflection from Group 4:
I was truly surprised by the warmth and hospitality that my host’s family showed me. Her parents were really easy going. I really enjoyed spending so much time with my buddy and seeing what she does every day, in school and at home. One thing that I was uncomfortable about that her parents were really good to me even though I did not know how to fully express my gratitude towards them apart from saying “kamsahamida”. I feel really bad that I did not do enough to thank them. I would like to incorporate their sense of gratitude and respect towards their elders like not using the phone during meal time and acknowledging their hardwork.

Contributed by Kym

Pyeong-ri Middle School Programme