In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares his experience receiving a surprise care package from San Francisco. While unpacking delicious American treats with his wife, he reflects on his own journey with homesickness in South Korea and how care packages helped him adjust to life abroad. Listen as Andrew humorously describes his weakness for peanut butter cups and why his wife had to become the official “snack manager” in their house.

How this episode will improve your English:

• Listening practice: Get better at understanding English by following Andrew’s story. Practice understanding natural, conversational English as he shares personal experiences and memories.


• Vocabulary building: Learn useful vocabulary related to living abroad like “care package,” “homesickness,” “non-perishable,” “expat,” and “self-control.” Expand your word bank with terms commonly used when discussing cultural differences and international living.


• Idioms and expressions: Pick up natural English expressions like “the odds are,” “work up an appetite,” “pig out,” and “leave someone in the lurch.” Understand how these idioms are used in context and add them to your own speech.


• Cultural understanding: Learn about care packages, a common practice in Western cultures for showing care to loved ones living far away.


• Pronunciation practice: Listen to the correct pronunciation of new words and phrases. Practice copying Andrew’s natural speech patterns to improve your own pronunciation and fluency.


• Speaking skills: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.

Important links:

• Become a Culips member


• Study with the interactive transcript


• Join the Culips Discord server


• Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)