A journey of transformative growth: A narrative analysis of intercultural development in South Korea

Abstract

Studying abroad brings numerous affordances to tertiary international students, such as acquiring a new language and immersing in a new culture. This paper examines how one female Indonesian university student in South Korea expanded her intercultural understanding and experienced personal change. Using narrative analysis, the researchers discovered that one of the positive effects of developing one’s intercultural competence is acquiring a greater sense of perspectivity. The researchers utilized the theory of the transformative self to interpret the subject’s deepened knowledge of the Korean language and culture as prerequisites leading to the potential emergence of authenticity. As South Korea continues to be a popular study-abroad destination, this study also offers critical insight into the benefits and challenges of adapting to the Korean milieu.