What do foreigners think of America? In this episode, a South Korean woman who has never been to the U.S. shares her perspective on America, shaped by history, culture, geopolitics, and life abroad.In the first half of this conversation, we explore how the U.S. is perceived from South Korea. My friend Dasom shares why many Koreans grow up with a deep sense of gratitude toward America as an ally, how freedom and security shape her perspective, and how U.S. pop culture and education influenced her long before she ever met an American. We also talk about the stark contrast between how America is viewed in Korea versus Europe, and why separating American people from American politics matters so much.In the second half of the episode, the focus shifts to Dasom’s personal story. She opens up about leaving South Korea at a young age, living in Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and now Spain, and how each country reshaped her identity. We talk about language, motherhood abroad, cultural pressure, belonging, and what it means to look at your home country differently after more than a decade away.This episode is about perspective - both national and personal. How history shapes perception, migration reshapes identity, and how living abroad can deepen appreciation for where you come.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:How America is seen from South KoreaThe U.S. as an ally, freedom, and historical memoryAmerican pop culture and global influenceStereotypes about Americans abroadLeaving South Korea and living abroad for 13+ yearsCultural adaptation across six countriesLanguage, identity, and belongingMotherhood and raising a child abroadHow distance changes your relationship to homeWhat living abroad teaches you about yourselfIf you’re interested in global perspectives on the U.S., life abroad, or the personal realities behind immigration and identity, this episode is for you. THANK YOU DASOMA for sharing your perspectives, I'm truly grateful! ⏰ CHAPTERSPerception on the U.S. 00:00 – Introduction & why this conversation matters02:05 – Growing up in South Korea & early impressions of the U.S.06:10 – The Korean War, freedom, and why America matters10:40 – U.S. pop culture, English, and American influence15:30 – Europeans vs. Asians: how America is perceived differently19:50 – Americans as creative, open, and misunderstoodPersonal story begins24:10 – Leaving South Korea for the first time27:30 – Living in Canada & Australia: early transformation32:20 – Germany, France, and cultural adaptation in Europe37:10 – Becoming a mother abroad & building a life in Spain42:30 – How living abroad changed her view of Korea46:20 – Where “home” really is after years abroad50:10 – Final reflections on identity, gratitude, and perspective🌍 About The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina—originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years. Ever wondered what life abroad is really like? Along with my incredible international village here in Munich, we're sharing funny, insightful, and unfiltered stories about cultural differences, adapting to new norms, and building a home away from home. Follow along for new weekly episodes and leave a comment to join the conversation.👉 Join the communityIf this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who might need it.Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → /thepod.abroadTikTok → /thepodabroadSUBSTACK → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad?ut...Email → [email protected]'S CHANNEL:   / @ladasomcocina   Spanish IG:   / ladasomcocina  English IG:   / madebydasom  🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik