Same background, same University, same exchange program

Montreal

Seoul

Bordeaux

Cultural shock

Montreal Seoul

No Yes

Academics - UniversityMontreal Seoul

Having a real school campus – very « american »

Close relationship student / teacher

Classes are longer

School campus even more « american »

Students are very united and proud of their University (varsity jackets)

Relationship between teachers and students even more close

Classes are shorter

Language

Montreal Seoul

Easy adaption Same language Slight differences in terms

of the accent and some expressions

English added to the daily lives

More of a difficult adaption Completely unfamiliar to

the language Different alphabet Difficult to find Koreans

who speak English But… We’re learning

Korean 한국말을 공부합니다

Lifestyle

Montreal Seoul As international students,

got used to the culture Similar habits than we had

in France

Always eating outside Living in a dorm As exchange students,

more of an « adventurous » lifestyle

More experiences because of limited time

Cost of living

Montreal Seoul

Real estate cheap Food-drinks slightly

cheaper (at least 15$ for a meal)

Food is much, MUCH cheaper (7$ for a meal)

Generally speaking, going out is cheaper (movie theaters, clubs, drinks, public transporation…)

Social aspect

Montreal Seoul Very welcoming Sociable However, hard to create a

real friendship - connection

Very welcoming Shy Reserved Polite

Food

Montreal Seoul Salty Slightly more « american » More fast foods Usually go to the

supermarket

Spicy Numerous side dishes Regular use of BBQ for

meat Use of chopsticks Fruits expensive