Interviewed by Liza Dyachuk
Your name: Hyo Jeong Joo
English pronunciation: Jules
Your nationality: South Korean
Year at ONU: Sophomore
Major at ONU: English literature
Icon: How did you hear about ONU?
Hyo Jeong: After I’d made a decision to study abroad, I was given the list of universities that I could choose from. I noticed that ONU had a lot of English major classes. I really wanted to improve my English and knew, as Ada is a very small village, there wouldn’t be a lot of Koreans, so I gave it a try.
Icon: What city did you grow up in? What is its population?
Hyo Jeong: Seoul. The population is 9,730 000.
Icon: How do you communicate with your family while in the U.S.?
Hyo Jeong: The Korean messenger-Kakaotalk, like a face time and texts. The majority of Koreans use it.
Icon: What do you hope to do with your degree in the future?
Hyo Jeong: I am planning to apply for the internship in America and then work in a trading company.
Icon: How many languages do you speak?
Hyo Jeong: Korean and English.
Icon: What other countries in the world have you visited so far?
Hyo Jeong: Spain, France, England, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam and the United States.
Icon: What is the biggest culture shock you’ve experienced when arriving at ONU?
Hyo Jeong: People don’t take an umbrella when it’s rainy, and people don’t care about their appearance at all.
Icon: What’s the biggest surprise you’ve discovered about the United States?
Hyo Jeong: Most Americans are so kind, they smile and say hello all the time even if they are not really close to you. But still, it’s not easy for international students to become real friends with them.
Icon: Is there somewhere in the United States that you hope to visit?
Hyo Jeong: Seattle, Gray's Anatomy was a trigger that caused this strong wish to visit that place (a movie).
Icon: Do you homesick? What do you miss the most from home?
Hyo Jeong: Yes, my family.
Icon: What food do you miss from home? Can you describe the food that you miss?
Hyo Jeong: Fried chicken. The flavor is different, it’s crispier and has all kinds of seasoning.
Icon: Are you accustomed to Ohio’s cold winters?
Hyo Jeong: Yes, I love the snow here! However, Korea is way warmer than Ada.
Icon: What has been your favorite experience so far?
Hyo Jeong: In the winter vacation, I visited my American friend’s house. It was so great! I experienced American culture on Christmas and New Year. I visited family’s cousins and grandmas. I’ll never forget about that! It’s not so common to get a chance to stay with Americans on these significant for every family holidays, and I am forever grateful for this opportunity that has been given to me!
