Foreigners Quote by Cullen Thomas
““It was easy not to like the other foreigners. I wondered how I'd fallen in with such a band of freaks. There were so many odd, wandering types--a host of bent Australians, warped British, tainted Canadians, tormented runaway Americans. (I considered myself fairly well balanced among this cast, but then look what became of me.) I'd expected it to a certain degree, but I was still surprised. Most of them seemed like misfits. Only a few content. But all of us found teaching work with astounding ease. It didn't matter that, on the whole, we were ragged and suspect because the demand for English in Korea was so great that almost anyone was accepted.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Personal memoir on teaching English in Korea, 2020
The narrator reflects on initial prejudice toward foreign colleagues, surprised by their camaraderie and the high demand for English teaching despite varied backgrounds.
In simple terms: Prejudices fade when shared purpose unites diverse people.
Key Takeaway
Embrace collaboration across differences.
Themes
prejudice
diversity
collaboration
career
adaptation
Mood
optimistic
thoughtful
Type
personal
inspirational
When to use this quote
- teaching abroad
- team building
- overcoming bias
Key Concepts
cultural integration
unexpected solidarity
career opportunities
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you hold about new cultures?
- How can shared goals bridge differences?
A Different Perspective
The account may generalize experiences, not reflecting all contexts.
