Seoyeon Woo is currently in grade 12 (class of 2026) and attends school in Canada, and her nationality is Korean. Before Canada, she lived in China for 8 years in Suzhou, Chongqing, and Shenzhen. She has attended an IB curriculum school in Shenzhen and Vancouver Island. She has almost 12 years of experience living outside of Korea.
Would you please introduce yourself?
Seoyeon Hello, my name is Seoyeon Woo. I’m currently in grade 12, living on Vancouver Island in Canada, and have been here for almost three years now. I attend St. John’s Academy in Chanaigan Lake. I’ve spent about eight years living in China and during that time I moved between several cities like Suzhou, Chongqing and Shenzhen.
Can you share more about the different environments of the countries or cities that you lived in?
Seoyeon I’ve studied at Shekou International School in Shenzhen, which is a very modern and urban area. Life there was very fast paced and high pressure like especially when it came to academics. The school environment was very competitive and I was constantly focused on studying and trying to keep up there. The city was very busy, full of tall buildings, crowded streets, and a strong sense of motion. And it almost felt like the whole city was always constantly moving. Then I moved to Vancouver Island, and I think a lot of things changed in my life. My current school is located in Shanaigan Lake, a very, very small, quiet town surrounded by nature. And I’m literally like surrounded by trees, lakes, and animals. It’s not unusual to see deer walking across the road on my way to class. Compared to the dense city life in China, Vancouver Island has a much more relaxed and spacious atmosphere. There aren’t many people, and everything moves at a slower, more peaceful rhythm.
Then this different atmosphere of China and Vancouver, and how impact you personally?
Seoyeon At first, this contrast was quite surprising to me. Like I wasn’t used to this kind of quiet or having so much open space and time. But over time, that environment started to influence me in ways I actually didn’t expect in China. I was very academically driven. I still am, but like it was more intense and narrow. And after coming here, I started to discover other parts of my life that I hadn’t really experienced before. I joined more competitive sports teams, explored outdoor activities, and spent more time connecting with nature and people. I realized that academic success doesn’t have to always come at the cost of personal balance.
I know that you currently attending IB curricular school, and Shekou International School that you have attended in China, also IB curricular school. Have you found any differences?
Seoyeon IB curriculum is still challenging no matter like where you are. It’s just my personal commentary on IB. But living on Vancouver island taught me how to manage it better. I think I learned how to plan my time more effectively and to take care of myself both physically and mentally. I became more independent and started focusing more on building a well rounded lifestyle and not just like chasing grades. Maybe that came from my own lifestyle where I currently live in the dorms. So maybe that’s a big difference. But looking back, I think moving between such different environments helped me shape who I am today. And I’ve become much more balanced, more reflective and more in tune with my life. And I think that’s one of the most valuable things I’ve gained from this international experience.
Seoyeon’s story shows how place and environment can profoundly shape not only education, but also personal growth and identity. From the fast-paced, high-pressure atmosphere of Shenzhen to the calm, spacious rhythm of Vancouver Island, she has learned to adapt to extremes and discover balance in her own life. While the IB curriculum remained a constant challenge, her surroundings taught her how to approach it with resilience, independence, and perspective. Her reflections remind us that international experiences are not just about academics, but about discovering new ways of living, finding harmony between ambition and well-being, and learning to embrace change. As Seoyeon continues her journey, she carries with her the adaptability and insight of someone prepared to thrive in both the bustling energy of global cities and the quiet strength of nature.
Humans of Korea 