Daniel Kim

From: Seoul, Republic of Korea

Current Grade: PG

Entered SSM: PG

DANIEL: Prior to SSM, I attended a school in South Korea that structured the school curriculum based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) system. The school ran an eight-day school cycle where our class schedule would change each day for one cycle. This is very different from Shattuck-St. Mary's because here I sit in the same class at the same time every day for each term, which I find more convenient. Another difference is that, in my school in South Korea, students are always grouped in classrooms by grade levels. On the other hand, at SSM, I have always been in the classroom with students of different grade levels.

What has been your favorite class at SSM?

DANIEL: My favorite class at SSM so far has been Human Anatomy & Physiology. Due to my interests in a career in medicine and my passion for sports, I have found myself enjoying learning about the functions of structures of the body and how the different systems in our body help shape our living today. For example, through our digestive system unit, I have learned how to better balance my diet.

What foods do you miss from home?

DANIEL: My favorite food from South Korea is tteokbokki (spicy rice cake). As it is hard to find places here that serve this food, I miss this one the most.

What is your favorite American food?

DANIEL: My favorite American food is a burger. The In-and-Out burgers have been the best so far.

What is the most surprising/weirdest/ interesting thing about living in the U.S.?

DANIEL: Coming from Seoul, a very compact and dynamic city, I was very used to dealing with traffic every day and many people transporting by bus or subway. Through my experience in the U.S, I have found it interesting to see how many people simply drive cars without much traffic because the land is much larger.

What are some of your favorite traditions/customs from your culture?

DANIEL: I would say New Year's Day (Seollal in Korean). In South Korea, on New Year's Day or Lunar New Year most Koreans celebrate the new year by gathering with their family members to “greet” each other and to eat the traditional tteokguk (rice cake soup). Spending time with my family like this, at the start of each year, has always given me a huge boost of excitement going into the new year.

What has been the hardest adjustment you've had to make?

DANIEL: I would say the hardest adjustment was adapting to the culture here. After living in South Korea almost my entire life, I found many differences in one’s lifestyle and the way of communication. Though, through this experience, I believe I was able to meet new people and learn from their cultures.

What has been your favorite thing about your experience as an international student?

DANIEL: Getting the opportunity to explore and meet new people from different countries all over the world. The diversity here is something that I haven’t experienced in South Korea, and I have enjoyed getting to know people from different backgrounds.

What advice would you give to future international students at SSM?

DANIEL: Be confident. Be yourself. And enjoy. At first, you may feel different from others, but, after getting to know people here, you will figure we are all very similar in many ways. It may be difficult to adjust to a new country, but it is important to find something that will make you happy.

How did you end up attending SSM?

ALICE: SSM was assigned to me by the agency that organized my exchange year.

What has been your favorite class at SSM?

ALICE: Pottery and Pre-Calculus for sure!

How are classes/education different here than in your home country?

ALICE: Classes are easier here, in a positive way. Teachers are more available for extra help, and they understand that everybody has their own timing and talents. School days are longer here, but I have the opportunity to take classes like pottery or sculpture!