Interview with Yebon Go
Q: When did you come to America?
A: About two years ago.
Q: What was you’re reason for leaving Korea?
A: I wanted to go to better college and get a better education.
Q: What was the biggest adjustment to living here?
A: The language has been the biggest adjustment for me.
Q: What is the biggest difference in American society as opposed to Korean society?
A: It’s not that different, but the people are different. American people are a lot more outgoing and so I had to learn to be more kind and outgoing, too.
Q: Would you say America is influenced more by technology than Korea?
A: Well, it depends. We use cell phones and internet and television all the time, so it’s actually like we use technology more often. But at school we don’t really use as much technology.
Q: What do you miss the most about Korea?
A: The people, my friends and my family.
Q: How are the school systems in Korea? Would you say they are more beneficial than the ones here in the United States?
A: I like here much better because you guys have more freedom in school. For example, you don’t have to wear a uniform. And you can bring your cell phone to class. It is a lot less strict and more laidback. The teachers here are really different, too. They are more open and try to communicate with the students, but in Korea, the teachers don’t really joke around and you have to be very respectful and polite.
Q: What is you’re least favorite thing about living in the United States?
A: I get homesick from missing Korea and the people there. Other
than that, there’s nothing really that bad.
Q: Do you feel like you have had more opportunities here in America than you would had you still been in Korea?
A: Yes, for example, if I’m doing a cello competition in Korea, the judges base a lot of you’re score on where you are taught and whether or not the school you are going to is good. Here, they don’t really do that as much.
Q: Are your parents living in the U.S? If not, who are(were) you living with?
A: My family is in Korea, and I stayed with my host family last year.
Q: How did you like your host family?
A: I liked it, but I missed my real family at home.
Q: Do you regret coming to the United States at all? Would you rather be living in Korea, even if it meant having less opportunities than here?
A: No I don’t regret it. I think I’m going to stay here forever.
