Humans of Yonsei

[Student Interview] Yonsei: Setting Precedents and Becoming a Trailblazer September 05, 2024

Underwood International College Student Indria Sukma Bong from Malaysia (born and raised in Indonesia)

Name: Indria Sukma Bong
Nationality: Malaysia (born and raised in Indonesia)
College: Underwood International College (UIC)
Major/Specialization: Creative Technology Management (CTM) (entering class of ‘22.5)

My first encounter with Korea was when I traveled here for a holiday at the age of 14. I didn’t know much about the country then, so I had few expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. The cleanliness, efficiency, and overall atmosphere left a lasting impression on me, and I began to imagine what it might be like to live here.

Despite this, pursuing my higher education in Korea wasn’t initially part of my plan. I always knew I wanted to study abroad, believing it to be the best way to gain independence and explore different environments. Initially, I set my sights on either the UK or Canada, eventually enrolling at the University of Toronto to study molecular biology. However, the COVID-19 pandemic struck at the end of my first year, prompting me to take a break from my studies, which was the catalyst of what made me move to Korea. It gave me time to reflect on my future, during which I worked at a fintech startup and discovered my passion for technology and entrepreneurship. This realization marked a significant shift in my career aspirations, steering me away from science. Though it was a drastic change from the life I had always envisioned, it led me to a path that felt more aligned with my skills and interests.

As I reconsidered my options, Korea emerged as a compelling choice. It was closer to my home country of Indonesia and boasted a thriving startup ecosystem. Additionally, it presented an opportunity to learn Korean, a valuable skill in my local job market given Indonesia’s large consumer demand for Korean products and services. I chose Yonsei University because of its strong reputation for providing English-based education. Although I was still unsure about my major due to my recent change in career direction, I found the Creative Technology Management (CTM) program at Underwood International College (UIC), which perfectly combined technology, management, and entrepreneurship, solidifying my decision to study at Yonsei.

Arriving in Korea, I was both excited and prepared for the challenges of living in a foreign country with a language I wasn’t yet fluent in. Since UIC’s classes are taught in English, I had fewer opportunities to practice Korean, so I took language classes both before arriving and through programs offered by Yonsei. The university’s initiative to provide free Korean language lessons for international students was something I took full advantage of.

At Yonsei, I was fortunate to meet many accommodating and supportive people, though I couldn’t ignore the challenges that international students often face in adjusting to the university and career landscape. Recognizing this, my friends and I founded the Yonsei-Indonesia Association (YIA). Despite its name, the club welcomes students of all nationalities, aiming to foster a space where international students can learn from each other rather than deepening divides based on nationality. YIA has become a cornerstone of my university experience. We’ve organized large networking events with business leaders and government officials to support international students in their job search, drawing over 200 attendees—a significant feat for a new club. Although we faced challenges due to the language barrier and limited connections, these experiences strengthened our bond and demonstrated that with determination, we could achieve our goals. Watching YIA grow into what it is today has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my time at Yonsei.

Yonsei also offers a wide range of student clubs, and I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in several, including the Yonsei Foreign Student Union (FSU) and the Yonsei Delegation for Model United Nations (YDMUN). Each club offers unique opportunities; for example, YDMUN allows members to represent the university at an international MUN conference in New York, as it is the only Korean team officially recognized by Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). UIC also provides opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere, such as allowing first-year undergraduates like myself to work as Teaching Assistants (TAs).

Transitioning to Yonsei was a significant change, but I’ve grown to love its strong sense of community and vibrant university culture. There’s always something happening on campus, from club fairs to concerts and dance performances, and the level of participation is incredible. This community spirit was also a driving force behind the creation of YIA, as we wanted to contribute to and strengthen this unique environment. Additionally, UIC’s intimate classroom settings foster strong relationships between students and professors, which is something I deeply value. I’m especially grateful to my advisor, who has consistently gone above and beyond to support my endeavors.

Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career in the technology sector, focusing on business management or product development. Staying in Korea would be an excellent way to launch my professional career, given the country’s advancements in this field. However, I’m aware of the challenges that international students face in securing employment, particularly due to language barriers and visa sponsorship issues. Despite these obstacles, I believe that being an international student offers a unique perspective, which can be a significant advantage. My goal is to improve my Korean language skills and leverage the professional network I’ve built through Yonsei and YIA to secure a position here.

At the same time, I remain open to new opportunities, knowing that circumstances can change over the next two years before I graduate. It’s important to stay adaptable and continue seeking new ways to grow, just as my journey in Korea began unexpectedly. My time at Yonsei and my role as president of YIA have encouraged me to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone. For future students, I recommend taking full advantage of Yonsei’s esteemed reputation and extensive network. While Korea may not have as many international students as other popular study destinations, this presents a unique opportunity to set precedents and become a trailblazer. I wish the best of luck to those considering Korea—you’re in for the experience of a lifetime.

Interview by student reporter Jo Beomsu

List

SINCHON·INT′l

Admissions

Humans of Yonsei