When people hear that Iโm living in South Korea as an international student, their first reaction is usually, โWow, youโre so lucky!โ
They imagine beautiful cities, advanced technology, exciting university life, and good job opportunities. But behind that surface โ behind the social media pictures and the smiles โ is a reality that not many see. And today, I want to share that reality. Because I know Iโm not alone.
Living in a Cycle: Study, Work, Sleep, Repeat
Iโm an introvert. I donโt have a big group of friends. Itโs not that I donโt like people โ I just prefer connecting with those who share a similar mentality. My closest friends are still back in Bangladesh. Here in Korea, Iโve met some nice people, but I havenโt found that one โbest friendโ yet โ the kind you can truly be yourself with.
My daily life feels like a circle:
Thatโs it. Over and over again.
Most of my interactions happen through my mobile phone. I had someone I could open up to completely โ someone I trusted deeply. But she left, and now I carry everything silently. No one around really knows whatโs going on inside me.
The Silent Mental Struggle
People see the outside โ the degree, the job, the fact that Iโm in a developed country. But no one asks about my mental health. No one sees the pressure, the loneliness, the quiet pain.
There are days I feel completely alone, even when Iโm surrounded by people. Itโs hard to express this feeling because most wonโt understand it unless theyโve been through it themselves.
In fact, according to statistics, many EPS (Employment Permit System) workers in South Koreaย โ especially men โ are dying from heart attacks. But it's not just a physical health issue. Itโs often due to mental stress, homesickness, overwork, and loneliness.
Everyone Needs Support
Being in a foreign country teaches you a lot. It makes you stronger. But even the strongest person needs:
A family that stays emotionally connected
A life partner who truly understands
A friend who listens without judgment
When you donโt have any of those nearby, life becomes heavy. Sometimes unbearably heavy.
This is not just my experience. Many students and workers I meet in gosiwons share similar struggles. The pressure is real. The loneliness is real. And we rarely talk about it.
What I Hope People Understand
If youโre reading this and you know someone living abroad โ check on them. Not just by asking how their studies or job are going. Ask them how they are. Emotionally. Mentally. Deeply.
If youโre someone like me, feeling lost in this cycle โ I want to tell you: you are not alone. Your feelings are valid. Your struggle is real. And itโs okay to talk about it.
When people hear that Iโm living in South Korea as an international student, their first reaction is usually, โWow, youโre so lucky!โ
They imagine beautiful cities, advanced technology, exciting university life, and good job opportunities. But behind that surface โ behind the social media pictures and the smiles โ is a reality that not many see. And today, I want to share that reality. Because I know Iโm not alone.
Living in a Cycle: Study, Work, Sleep, Repeat
Iโm an introvert. I donโt have a big group of friends. Itโs not that I donโt like people โ I just prefer connecting with those who share a similar mentality. My closest friends are still back in Bangladesh. Here in Korea, Iโve met some nice people, but I havenโt found that one โbest friendโ yet โ the kind you can truly be yourself with.
My daily life feels like a circle:
From university to my gosiwon (a small student room)
From my gosiwon to my part-time job at a restaurant
Then back home to sleep.
Thatโs it. Over and over again.
Most of my interactions happen through my mobile phone. I had someone I could open up to completely โ someone I trusted deeply. But she left, and now I carry everything silently. No one around really knows whatโs going on inside me.
The Silent Mental Struggle
People see the outside โ the degree, the job, the fact that Iโm in a developed country. But no one asks about my mental health. No one sees the pressure, the loneliness, the quiet pain.
There are days I feel completely alone, even when Iโm surrounded by people. Itโs hard to express this feeling because most wonโt understand it unless theyโve been through it themselves.
In fact, according to statistics, many EPS (Employment Permit System) workers in South Koreaย โ especially men โ are dying from heart attacks. But it's not just a physical health issue. Itโs often due to mental stress, homesickness, overwork, and loneliness.
Everyone Needs Support
Being in a foreign country teaches you a lot. It makes you stronger. But even the strongest person needs:
A family that stays emotionally connected
A life partner who truly understands
A friend who listens without judgment
When you donโt have any of those nearby, life becomes heavy. Sometimes unbearably heavy.
This is not just my experience. Many students and workers I meet in gosiwons share similar struggles. The pressure is real. The loneliness is real. And we rarely talk about it.
What I Hope People Understand
If youโre reading this and you know someone living abroad โ check on them. Not just by asking how their studies or job are going. Ask them how they are. Emotionally. Mentally. Deeply.
If youโre someone like me, feeling lost in this cycle โ I want to tell you: you are not alone. Your feelings are valid. Your struggle is real. And itโs okay to talk about it.