An Autoethnographic Study On Intercultural Communication As Experienced By An International Student From Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to conduct an autoethnography about the intercultural communication experience of an international student from Kyrgyzstan. Autoethnography was implemented as a research of an insider, analyzing the intercultural communication based on the researcher’s personal experience of interaction with Korean people on a daily basis. Data was collected from the notes and messages from the researcher’s experience in Korea, analyzed, and the results were categorized into three cultural differences which cause misunderstandings and conflict. They are 1) insincere words, 2) recognition based on levels of academic titles, and 3) different perceptions of sickness. It is believed that this study will help Kyrgyz people and Koreans understand each other better, and serve as a base for further studies about students from Kyrgyzstan and intercultural communication experienced by them.