Living in a foreign country is both exciting and intimidating. You arrive with hopes, dreams, and a suitcase full of uncertainties. But sometimes, what makes the experience truly unforgettable isn’t just the places you visit or the classes you attend, it’s the person who you share a room with. Roommates may start as strangers, but over time, they become companions, friends, even family.

For me, that person is Elena.

I can still remember the first time I saw her. I was so shy and unsure of how to approach her; it was my first time living with a total stranger from a different country. She is, without a doubt, beautiful, but her beauty transcends appearance. It radiated through her laughter, her kindness, and the way she treats people. 

Elena makes sure no one is left behind or excluded… and that includes me. She noticed my quietness and gently pulled me into her circle. She invites me to join her in activities, introduces me to her Latin friends, and often translates conversations just for me. She bridges worlds for me. 

She didn’t just become my roommate; she became my confidante and safe space. When the day is heavy, she’s the light waiting at the end of it. When the day is good, she makes it even better. Elena has taught me that friendship knows no borders, no language barriers, no cultural divides. 

And I soon realized, I’m not the only one who feels this way. Every shared room in KDI School holds a story of friendship, compromise, laughter, and growth.

A connection beyond language

For Jieun from South Korea, it started with an awkward silence that turned into nightly conversations. The only Korean student who chose a double room, she initially wasn’t sure about staying in the program. But nights of quiet turned into long conversations with her Latin roommate, Laura.

“There were nights when we’d lie in our beds and talk for hours about our families, studies, careers, and even the difficult times we’ve been through,” she shared. “That was the first time I felt like maybe it would be okay to stay at this school a bit longer. I was really grateful to have someone I could share these little daily moments with, in a comfortable space, wearing pajamas.”

Spending time with her Latin roommate, Laura, also helped Jieun reflect on her own culture and appreciate other different cultures as well. “I realized how hard Korean can be to learn,” she laughed. “And I saw how Latin people cherish connection and togetherness, it left a strong impression.”

She describes their friendship as 동고동락 [dong-go dong-rak] which means going through both joy and hardship together. “While I was in school, my 동고동락 was Laura,” she added.

Laura describes it with one Spanish word: complicidad or a partner in crime. “Jieun became like family,” she said. “I realized that I could trust her. She’s also focused on her goals, and that inspired me too.”

One moment that stood out for Laura is when she was hospitalized. Jieun helped arrange her appointments and even called the hospital for her. “That’s when I knew she wasn’t just my roommate, she was my friend.” She recalled another favorite memory: “After the first semester, we ordered pizza, watched a Korean movie, and celebrated finishing the term. It was simple but special.”

Having a Korean roommate, she added, made her life in Korea easier. “She gives the best advice about how to live more conveniently here,” Laura said. “And since she also knows some Spanish, sometimes she tries to speak in Spanish, and I try to speak to her in Korean. It’s really fun.”

Learning through differences

For Nasz from Malaysia, the experience was about learning to adjust to different habits and cultures. His Indonesian roommate loves spicy dishes, while Nasz prefers milder flavors. “We’re also different in how we organize things. He’s very neat and structured, while I’m more relaxed,” Nasz said with a grin. “But even with those differences, we’ve always respected each other’s privacy and space, which made living together much easier,” he added.

He recalled one moment of learning: “Once, he noticed something about how I used our shared space and gently offered a better way. That showed his patience and maturity. Since then, we’ve both been more mindful and considerate of each other’s habits.”

Advice from those who’ve shared rooms

Andy: “Elena and I often joke that our relationship is like a marriage. We have our small misunderstandings, but we always find our way back with laughter, forgiveness, and care. My advice is simple: treat your roommate with kindness. When they make mistakes, remember that you do too.”

Jieun: “Living with someone from another culture may seem difficult at first, but it can bring beautiful, unexpected moments. When you share a room, you reveal your most honest self… and sometimes, you find your dong-go-dong-rak, your companion in struggle.”

Laura: “Set clear rules early such as those about cleaning and sleeping schedules. Always ask, ‘Are you comfortable with this?’ Don’t let misunderstandings build up. Talk.”

Nasz: “If you’re living with someone from a different country, take it as a chance to learn and grow. Respect their space and culture, and you’ll end up gaining not just a roommate, but a good friend.” 

Hearing these stories reminded me that no matter where we come from, kindness and friendship always find their way into the spaces we share. Roommates are more than just people we live with, they’re the first community we build in a new country. Different faces, different stories, but one truth remains: roommates make Korea feel like home.