Humans of Yonsei

[Student Interview] Going the Extra Mile: A Journey of Integration at Yonsei University April 04, 2024

Underwood International College(UIC) Economics Student Jayda from Philippines

Name: Jayda Cez Lim
Nationality: Republic of the Philippines
College: Underwood International College (UIC)
Major: Economics (entering class of ’20.5)

I was very interested in Korean media content in my early years of high school. Korean or East Asian dramas were easier to watch as they had concise plots with episodes usually ranging from 16 to 20 episodes, in comparison to dramas in my country that would have ranged from 100 to 250 episodes depending on whether the audience liked the television show or not.

During my senior year of high school, I considered studying abroad because I felt that I could learn so much more when surrounded by a completely different environment. It also seemed like an opportunity to become independent. Yonsei was the university of my choice because I felt it was more globally friendly toward international students compared to other universities in Korea. Additionally, with Underwood International College (UIC) offering lectures conducted entirely in English, I didn’t have to worry about mastering Korean to cope with classes.

Still, the Language barrier was definitely one of my difficulties adapting to life in Korea. Though I was in UIC where most classes were taught in English and Korean was not really required during lectures, it was quite challenging to make Korean friends, especially in my economics classes where students would just come and go with no particular bond formed. It was also unfortunate that I got accepted in the Fall of 2020, at the peak of the pandemic, so I wasn't able to experience life in Songdo at all due to COVID restrictions.

Nevertheless, I was able to overcome such difficulties by joining student clubs, one of which was FSU, the Yonsei Foreign Student Union. We made fun memories by creating events/projects to help new students adjust to life in Korea, and over time I expanded my network and made more friends through mutuals. Another meaningful organization was the International Business Initiation, where I developed professional relationships. Ultimately, putting myself out there in clubs gave me a supportive community that enriched my experience. I can say that one of the fun memories in Yonsei as a student is engaging in group events together such as AKARAKA and Yon-Ko Games, particularly since these experiences are exclusive to Yonsei students.

Through the challenges and memorable times, I can say with confidence that college has become a cherished part of my life, especially because it is Yonsei. I met open-minded individuals from various backgrounds and nationalities, which motivated me to join student groups. Guided by this mindset, I applied for the Foreign Student Union and IBI, from which I gained meaningful connections and friendships worldwide. The university's diversity and welcoming spirit enabled me to step outside my comfort zone and continually expand my horizons.

What makes Yonsei special is definitely the international community and the growing number of organizations open to all nationalities. Although there would be challenges, taking advantage of opportunities for connections is key to getting the most out of Korea has to offer. I believe there is immense potential for foreigners here if you know how to seize chances. It's never easy adapting abroad; that's why going the extra mile is crucial - to access openings, gain connections, and make a living in Korea fulfilling. Keep up the hustle and know your assets well and what you can gain, and you will find the perfect opportunity to you here in Korea.

Interview by student reporter Jo Beomsu

* Yonsei University's Underwood International College (UIC) is a highly selective, English-language, four-year liberal arts institution, which combines the intimate, elite learning environment of an American-style liberal arts college with the faculty and resources of Korea's top private research university. UIC students choose from an extensive list of classes conducted entirely in English and taught by a distinguished group of international and Korean scholars. With a student body drawn from around the world, UIC focuses on ensuring that its outstanding students have the intellectual foundation to become exceptional leaders capable of changing the world for the better.

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