Min Hwan Oh from South Korea: Studies Pharmacy at Darton State College

Interview:

An interview with Min Hwan Oh from Korea, who attends Darton State College in Albany, Georgia, where he is a sophomore, pre-pharmacy major.

How did you choose your college or university?

Darton College, which is a two-year school in Albany, Georgia, offers a good quality education and relatively low tuition. It was easier for me to start at a two-year college instead of a big university. Darton offers many majors and 77 degree options, and I think it is one of the best junior colleges in Georgia.

Darton is known as being Southwest Georgia's Center for Nursing and Allied Health Education. Albany is a relaxed city and is a good place to study. Albany is just a few hours away from Florida's Gulf Coast, Georgia's Atlantic Coast and Atlanta; and it offers shopping, museums, parks, and many areas of natural beauty that surround this section of the country.

What do you like best?

Southern people are very kind and helpful. Thanks to them, I have been able to adapt myself to this new place. I don't feel lonely here.

What do you miss most?

My family.

What was your biggest surprise?

I was surprised by all of the opportunities to do community volunteer work. How have you handled:

...Language differences?

I try to learn the culture. I read, write, and talk in English as much as I can. I try not to use my own language.

...Finances?

I get support from my parents. I also work on campus.

...Adjusting to a different educational system?

The educational system is not much different than in Korea. But I do have to adjust to the differences among each professor's teaching styles, just as I would in Korea.

What are your activities?

I am involved in the Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Darton Ambassadors, Student Government Association, and the Cultural Exchange Club.

How easy or difficult is making friends?

It is easy to make acquaintances because people are interested in knowing about my culture. However, it is harder to make "real"friends who I can talk to about personal things because of differences in language and culture.

How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?

I plan to become a pharmacist. America is one of the leading medical technology countries in the world, so it is a good place to study pharmacy.

What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education?

America is the country of opportunity. Do not be scared about new circumstances. As many international students adapt themselves to America, you will too. Keep going toward your goal!

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