At the language café that I go to, the first hour I learn Korean, and the second hour and a half we speak in English, and I am able meet Koreans there, too.
I think the most important aspect of integrating into a new community, whether a new school such as middle school, a new city, a new state or an entirely different country, you should try your best to try new things and to keep an open mind. When you move to a new place, it can feel lonely at first: that is why it is important to keep an open mind and to find your new role in the new community. When I first came to Seoul, I was a little overwhelmed by living in a huge city, and by being a foreigner! But I tried my best to be optimistic, to meet people every day and to try new things. For example, when I first started living in Seoul, I would go to a 7/11 every day for small snacks. I eventually became friends with the lady who works there. I now call her emo which means aunt. For a while she was my only friend in Korea. She is really nice and speaks to me only in Korean.
I also found activities that I like to do. At least once a week, I like to try a new restaurant. This exposes me to new foods and is a fun experience to look forward to. I also love going to arcades or nolebangs (karaoke rooms), when I feel like relieving stress. I also explore different areas in Seoul. My favorite area is the part of downtown Seoul called Cheonggyecheon. An artificial stream runs through this neighborhood, and there is a beautiful walking path. I like to go there with a friend and to eat chicken!
