Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

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Hello everyone,

            I would like to share my 1^st story, “Physical and mental problems after coming to Korea as a student”. This is my first time that I left the country. I chose to pursue my master's degree in the South Korea after completing my undergraduate studies in my homeland. I think it's important to discuss the physical and mental challenges I had after moving to Korea and how I overcome them in my first narrative.  After I came Conditions including dry skin, stretch marks, white skin, hair loss, appetite loss, weight loss and stress had a significant impact on me.

          Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with an average temperature ranging from 27°C to 30°C degrees Celsius throughout the year in most parts of the country. The transition from a tropical climate to a colder, drier environment can cause skin and joint issues, as the body struggles to adapt to lower humidity levels. I came here fall semester. Korea is a country with changing climates throughout the year and the onset of winter was beautiful. I have never experienced this climate. Since the day I came Korea, the temperature has been around 23°C -18 °C degrees Celsius. On some days, the temperature has dropped to 16°C degrees Celsius. The difference in temperature between the two countries took a toll on my body. The low temperatures in Chuncheon were difficult for me to adjust to because I have spent my entire life in Sri Lanka, where the average yearly.

                 Although I had heard about Korean food culture before, I had never experienced it, and after coming here I was also severely affected by anorexia and weight loss. My weight, which was 58 kg when I came from Sri Lanka, decreased to 53 kg within two weeks. my hair was lost. Changes in diet, including differences in food availability and nutritional content, was led to deficiencies that affect skin, hair, and overall health. A shift in diet, which may include less familiar foods and decreased access to traditional meals, it was affect nutrition and overall health. Therefore, I had to face lot of weight changes and skin problems. I had to Limited availability of traditional Sri Lankan ingredients was led to dietary restrictions. After that Changes in nutrition resulted in physical issues such as digestive problems or vitamin deficiencies. The Korean diet is often higher in salt and preservatives.

             Another thing that hurt me was left Sri Lanka and my family behind. It had a significant psychological impact on me. It was impacted by unfamiliar food cultures, other languages, and various societies. Being away from family and familiar surroundings were led to feelings of loneliness. This is especially pronounced during festivals or significant events celebrated back home.

            These are not only issues I have faced in my experience. For the most part, international students face these issues. I would like to mention to you the activities and habits that I follow to avoid such problems. Anyone can live in South Korea, a country with stunning scenery and people, and Chuncheon makes the environment calm and relaxing.

             The fact that I had to share my dorm with a girl from India helped me to not get stressed in the face of such problematic situations. I am grateful for that. Being culturally similar, both of us being of Asian descent, was a relief until adjusting to the Korean environment, talking with Koreans was made simpler by the ability to use apps like Papago and Google Translate. 

            You can start new routines, such as altering your sleep and exercise schedules. To protect your skin, choose lotions made specifically for Korea's dry climate. Vaseline Double Moisture Lotion is what I suggest. Additionally, I want to let you know how beneficial it is to eat a balanced diet, drink water, and consume fruits.

            If we as foreigners are able to face these difficulties with advance preparation, our productivity will grow more, and we will be able to adapt to other climate regions very quickly and overcome the challenging problems that arise. I hope this reading will help you to some extent to overcome the physical and mental problems that we face after coming to Korea.