Chapter 2. Encounters

The country felt like a dream. As was my habit, I navigated my first few days as a tourist, wading through the inevitable struggles and the sharp stings of culture shock. Eventually, I met a friend from my country who helped me navigate the labyrinth of the admission process in the city where I was to study. We had exchanged several messages, as had a senior from the lab where I'd be stationed.

​I arrived at the dormitory, the wheels of my suitcase rattling against the pavement as my friend helped me push my belongings toward the entrance. There, I met the senior. He guided me through the administrative fog until, finally, the weight of a room key settled in my palm. He introduced me to a researcher who, despite being a year older, was in the same academic year as I am. We shared a brief, polite conversation as he led me to the lab-our future workplace-and pointed out the desk that would be mine.

​"We're all having dinner together tonight," the senior invited. "A few other students will be joining us. It would be a good chance for you to meet everyone."

​"That sounds great. I'll be there," I replied.

​"Perfect. The others will pick you up at the dorm, and we'll meet at the restaurant," he said, his parting words a simple, "See you then."

​I waited in front of the dormitory, watching the flow of students until I spotted a group approaching. A familiar hand waved in the air. I joined them, and we began the walk to the restaurant. The conversation was easy-basic questions about age, MBTI types, and the usual small talk that serves as a social lubricant. Then came the question: "Do you have a partner?"

​In this country, it was a standard icebreaker, a cultural staple of introductions, but to me, it felt jarringly private. Still, I brushed it off with my usual indifference. "I've never been in a relationship," I said simply.

​A girl arrived late, breathless and laughing. "Sorry I'm late! I had to get ready and do my makeup," she chirped. She was strikingly vibrant, a stark contrast to the other local students I had met, who tended to be reserved, almost icy in their stiffness. To me, the local persona seemed rooted in introversion and shyness, but she was the exception. We ate, and afterward, we crowded into a photo booth to take pictures together-a quintessential rite of passage for students hanging out in this culture.

​My first few days in the dormitory were solitary. The room was designed for two, yet my roommate had not appeared by the second day, even with the start of the semester looming. I found myself wishing he would arrive; it would have been more exciting to shop for essentials with a foreign friend. My peers recommended I visit the downtown area, as it was the only real landmark in our small town. So, I went alone.

​I was accustomed to solo wandering. I often found it more comfortable; there was no need to negotiate an itinerary or waste time on someone else's whims. As evening fell over downtown, I prepared to head back to the dorm. Suddenly, a tap landed on my shoulder.

​"Are you a foreigner?"

​The man spoke English with a startling fluency, devoid of the local accent.

​"Yes," I replied, curious. "Is something the matter?"

​"Nice to meet you! I'm working on a project for my graduation. Would you mind helping me by filling out a questionnaire?"

​"Sure, of course."

​"Could I get your contact info?"

​I paused. "What for?"

​"Oh, it's nothing-I just don't have the forms ready yet. I'll send the link to your phone once I have it."

​"Alright," I said, handing over my number.

​"Are you a student? Or just visiting?" he asked, his eyes bright with interest.

​"I'm a student."

​"Then you'll be here for a while, right?" He seemed hopeful.

​"I just got here, so yes."

​"Great. I'll get in touch. Where are you headed? I can give you a lift."

​"No need to trouble yourself, I'm just heading home. Though, my transport card just snapped, so I need to buy a new one before I can catch the bus."

​"Let me help you with that." He was unusually warm for a local man, his face settled into a constant, kind smile. He assisted me with the purchase, bridging the gap between my limited vocabulary and the local language. Before I reached the bus stop, he called out to me.

​"Can we meet again? I'm interested in practicing my English with you-maybe we could do a language exchange?"

​I simply smiled and nodded, then ran to catch the bus as it pulled up. During the ride, I turned the idea over in my head. Having a speaking partner seemed like a good way to gain insight into the local culture and master a new tongue. I made it home safely, and soon after, a message lit up my screen.

​"Hi. It's me, remember? Kim Tae-Hyung. I hope you saved my number!"

​I typed back: "Hi, of course I remember. Thanks for helping me. Can you send the questionnaire? I'll look it over. And I think I am interested in the language exchange."

​I hit send and waited for the reply.

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