My name is Thiago. I'm from Brazil. About three years ago, I came to Korea while traveling with my family. I first visited Korea in June 2009, and stayed with my family until 2010. My family stayed Korea together because of my father's business. Now I'm living in Korea only with my younger sister, partly because I am fascinated with Korean culture and Korean language. I started to study Korean. After studying Korean for one year, I entered Chungnam national University and Diplomacy. I'm a member of Chugnam National University's 9th ambassador students.
To realize my dream, I will study further in graduate school. So, I'm studying Korean very hard. For example, I actively sought help from the CNU Language Education Center. Before being admitted, I took Korean speaking and listening classes for a year in the CNU Language Education Center. The lectures were divided from level 1 to 6, and I finished all levels. In addition. The best way to study Korean is through my own Korean language teacher; my girlfriend. We have been dating more than two years. When we first met, we talked in English, but soon she suggested we only use Korean. Whenever we send messages, communicate on the phone in daily conversation, I only use Korean language. As a daily practice, I make a point of memorizing ten Korean words a day, with my girlfriend's help.
I'm dreaming of being a Brazilian ambassador in Korea. Since I was very young, I have been interested in international relations. So, I decided to enroll in the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy. That's the reason why I am here.
There are cultural differences between Korea and Brazil. But, Many Korean people are afraid to approach foreigners speaking English. As for me, using the honorific form of language was too difficult to accept. So, I couldn't make friends with others during the early days. Besides, many Korean people just think of 'soccer' or 'samba' when it comes to Brazil. I am not happy about these stereo types. Brazil is more than soccer and samba. Brazilian coffee and beef arc cheaper and more delicious than Korea's. Actually, I saw snow for the first time in Korea. Snow is very rare in a hot country like Brazil. I am coping with cultural differences in Korea.
Studying in CNU is the first step in reaching my ultimate goal in Korea. A professor both recommended and supported as a student ambassador in recognition of my great ability in using Korean language. Besides, I am interested in promoting our university other students, which is very fruitful. If you want to be a student ambassador, try hard. Try hard to study, to communicate, and to build up your physical strength. There are so many events in which students ambassadors are involved. It is essential for freign students to improve their proficiency in Korean language.
dasol1422@cnu.ac.kr