The Gifts of Novelty and Unfamiliarity

The Gifts of Novelty and Unfamiliarity

Hello everyone, my name is Daehyeon Kim and I am a second year majoring in sports, having come to study at our university with the belief that sports can change the world.

The reason I decided to start this blog is to share my personal experiences to help those in Korea who are contemplating studying abroad make their decision a little easier.

Having spent a considerable amount of time deliberating my own decision to study abroad, I understand how crucial accurate information, realistic advice and reviews from seniors who have already gone through the process are.

As such, I am eager to actively share a variety of experiences.

I hope that through my contributions, many talented individuals will be inspired to come to this city and university :)

One of the most distinct features of my study abroad experience has been facing something new every single day. Stepping out of a familiar environment means that it's natural for everything to feel strange at first.

However, the moment that 'unfamiliarity' turned into 'novelty,' my life in Coventry became fulfilling.

The list of new challenges was endless, and adapting to this lifestyle initially brought a lot of stress and pressure. Keeping up with and responding to the fast-paced English spoken by my foreign friends was one of the biggest challenges.

In the early days of my study abroad, I often doubted my abilities whenever I faced these difficulties. However, after a month or two, a close British friend of mine made a comment that changed my perspective.

"Teo, your English has improved." Hearing this made me realise something important.

'This is what growth feels like.'

That single piece of praise allowed me to shift from a negative to a positive mindset.

As I began to overcome each challenge, I grew step by step.

Whereas I once waited for difficulties to pass, I now find meaning in each challenge and learn from them, enabling me to grow.

In essence, by embracing unfamiliarity as merely a form of novelty, I've opened myself up to a wealth of new experiences and discoveries around me.

Looking through the photos on my phone now, I'm reminded of the myriad of memories I've accumulated. Now in my second year, these diverse experiences have contributed to my growth, and I'm looking forward to what the rest of my study abroad journey holds.

Studying abroad offers many rewards. But perhaps the greatest strength it offers is the personal growth that comes from embracing unfamiliarity.

And I believe this strength will provide courage and motivation as we navigate through life. I hope those of you considering studying abroad will also embrace these growth experiences and create a fulfilling life journey for yourselves.

Thank you to all my readers for sticking through this long post.

I'll see you in the next one :)