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Arshamae’s Journey: Resilience, Challenges, and Hope from Calamba, Misamis Occidental, Philippines, to South Korea

Arshamae’s life story is one of incredible resilience, overcoming hardships, and finding hope in the most challenging circumstances. As a Filipino living in South Korea, her experiences highlight the struggles and triumphs many immigrants face. This article delves into her journey, from her early life in the Philippines to her survival and transformation in South Korea. Filipino immigrants in South Korea Resilience stories Immigrant challenges in Korea Inspirational life stories Overcoming hardships The Early Life of Arshamae A Childhood Rooted in Resilience She  was born in Calamba, Misamis Occidental, as the youngest of three children. When her parents separated, she was just three months old. Her paternal grandparents stepped in to raise her, providing love and stability in a challenging environment. Her grandmother, a hardworking farmer, was her pillar of strength. Her childhood was marked by both love and fear. She often cried when left alone, fearing for her grandmother’s saf...

Reforming Citizenship: A Call for Inclusion of Foreign-Born Children in Korea

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The Journey of Dr. Mohammad Nazmul Hasan: Reflections on South Korea’s Challenges and Opportunities Meet Dr. Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, also known as Nadim, a doctorate graduate from the Korea National University of Transportation (KNUT). Before pursuing his PhD in South Korea, Dr. Nadim completed his Master’s degree at Uppsala University in Sweden. Originally from Bangladesh, Dr. Nadim spent several years living and studying in South Korea while his wife lived in Dubai. Eventually, she joined him in South Korea, and together they welcomed a baby boy. Dr. Nadim had aspirations of contributing to South Korea’s development by leveraging his education and skills. However, due to limitations associated with his student visa, securing employment in South Korea proved challenging. Facing this obstacle, he decided to seek opportunities elsewhere. Today, he works as a scientist at a research institute in Oklahoma, United States. Insights on South Korea’s Policies Towards Foreigners Des...

Safety First: How Chungju Police Supports Foreigners

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Living Safely in Chungju: A Foreigner's Perspective As a foreigner living in Chungju, understanding the local laws and regulations is essential for feeling safe and secure. Fortunately, the police in this city are welcoming and helpful toward the foreign population. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet one of my students, a police officer named Lee Song-won (이성원 in Korean), who goes by James as his English name. He shared valuable insights about how foreigners can seek help and report crimes in Chungju. James explained that as a foreigner, I have the right to report any crimes I witness or experience, and this information was a relief to me. I was glad to learn about the efforts the local police department makes to accommodate the needs of the growing foreign community in Chungju. He provided me with detailed instructions on how to report a crime and shared the contact information for the local police department. To my comfort, he mentioned that English-speaking offi...

From the Philippines to Korea: A Teacher’s Story

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Majella Pagayon: Bridging Cultures Through Teaching and Storytelling in South Korea Meet Majella Pagayon, Also Known as Teacher Ela Majella Pagayon, affectionately known as Teacher Ela, is a seasoned English conversation teacher with over 20 years of experience in South Korea. Her journey is one of cultural connection, education, and storytelling. From teaching students of all ages to creating impactful documentaries, Majella’s life is a testament to the power of community and shared experiences. Majella’s Journey as an English Conversation Teacher Majella began her teaching career in South Korea with a passion for helping students improve their English communication skills. Over the years, she has worked in: University Community centers Local schools Her teaching approach focuses on practical communication and confidence-building, creating positive and interactive classroom environments where students feel encouraged to participate. Majella believes that learning a languag...