Humans of Yonsei

[Student Interview] Patience and Resilience for Challenging Yet Rewarding Experiences June 11, 2024

Yonsei Graduate School Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Student Mohammad Gholami Farkoushi from Iran

Name: Mohammad Gholami Farkoushi
Nationality: Islamic Republic of Iran
College/Graduate School: Graduate School, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Major/Specialization: Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

From a Visitor to a Scholar
I had the opportunity to visit Korea in 2012 for three weeks. At that time, my brother was pursuing his PhD in Korea, so I had the chance to experience the local environment and Korean universities firsthand. Soon after the visit, I checked universities and faculties in Korea related to my major, followed by discussions with my brother and professors in Iran, which ultimately led to the decision to pursue my studies in Korea.

The decision was driven by the impressive academic standards and innovative research opportunities I observed. The vibrant cultural atmosphere and the warm hospitality I experienced during my visit also played a significant role in solidifying my choice. It was during my review of the rankings of various universities and their faculty members that I first came across the profile of my current advisor (Prof. Sohn Hong-gyoo) who is a well-known professor and researcher in Korea. Fortunately, he offered me the opportunity to pursue my studies under his guidance.

Our regular school hours are from 9 am to 6 pm. However, as a student pursuing postgraduate studies, you essentially live on campus, arriving in the morning and often leaving the lab late due to research commitments. As an undergraduate, one’s academic programs are predominantly course-related, but as a postgraduate student, not only do you have coursework, but your studies are also heavily research-oriented, focusing on specific projects and research goals.

Language barriers were one of the biggest initial challenges, making communication difficult. The complexity of understanding and speaking a new language not only affected my daily interactions but also influenced my academic performance and social integration. Despite these challenges, I have been making steady progress. With consistent effort and help from language classes and native speakers, I am gradually becoming more confident in communicating. This improvement has significantly enhanced my ability to engage with the local community and culture.

I believe the support and advice from my advisor, coupled with the help from my lab mates and friends, were invaluable in overcoming campus challenges. Additionally, the guidance from my brother, who had experience living in Korea, proved extremely helpful. I made every effort to utilize all these assistances to successfully navigate these difficulties. This collaborative support not only eased my academic journey but also enhanced my personal growth and adaptation to a new cultural environment.

An Aspiring Geomatics Engineer
Geomatics engineering is a field that encompasses broad areas like photogrammetry and remote sensing. During my undergraduate studies, I found working with satellite and aerial images particularly fascinating because these data allow for various analyses, such as creating 3D models of environments. Fortunately, after arriving in Korea and joining GRS LAB in Yonsei, I found excellent opportunities in our lab to continue working with these types of data. I was delighted to pursue further studies in a field that I am passionate about.

Yonsei University is a highly-ranked university known for its distinguished faculty and excellent research facilities. The labs at Yonsei are well-equipped, offering extensive resources tailored to support your research needs. Graduating from Yonsei opens significant career opportunities, not only within Korea but also internationally. The university’s strong reputation and global network greatly enhance the employability of its graduates, positioning them well for success in various industries around the world.

After graduation, I plan to seek employment in Korea, either as a postdoctoral researcher or in a company, depending on the opportunities available at the time. However, my experience here has taught me that proficiency in the Korean language is essential for accessing the best job opportunities. Therefore, improving my Korean language skills is my immediate priority.

Advice to Foreign Students
Consider that no place can perfectly match your dream destination; you will encounter highs and lows. It's important to manage your expectations and be prepared for both rewarding and challenging experiences. Adjusting to a new environment can be a complex process that requires patience and resilience. Before coming to Korea, try to learn Korean, as it will greatly assist you both academically and in your daily life here.

Interview by student reporter Jo Beomsu

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