Humans of Yonsei

[Student Interview] Bridging Cultures and Building Community: A Story of Growth, Community, and Connection November 22, 2024

School of Business Student Tina Katharina Trippner from Federal Republic of Germany

Name: Tina Katharina Trippner
Nationality: Federal Republic of Germany
College: School of Business
Major: Business Administration (entering class of ’21.5)

Growing up, I was drawn to different cultures and languages, although Asian cultures felt like an entirely different world. Besides a few friends with Asian backgrounds in school, I really had no connection to Asian culture in my early years. If someone had told me back then that I'd end up studying in Korea, I would have laughed it off completely! It was through friends who were K-pop fans that I first glimpsed Korea around 2018. They kept trying to introduce me to K-pop, and soon my YouTube feed was filled with Korean content. It was a small preview of what lay ahead, though I didn’t know it at the time. Deciding to study in Korea, however, was a twist of fate, a series of random events that ultimately led me here. Originally, I was set on studying in an English-speaking country. During a study period in Toronto just before COVID-19, I became friends with a Korean student. When COVID hit, the time at home only strengthened my desire to explore. My friend suggested studying in Korea, and something clicked—it wasn’t just about earning a degree; it felt like an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a culture I barely knew. That sense of adventure ultimately led me to go all in on Korea.

The pull of South Korea for me was not solely the language or media; it was a whole different way of viewing the world through Korean art and culture. K-dramas, for instance, portray even simple scenes with deep emotional resonance, and poetry in Korea, even in translation, fascinated me with its use of nature to express feelings. There was a beautiful language in Korean art, a new way of seeing the world, that left me wondering about the real Korea behind it. More practically, Korea is also known for its safety, and tuition fees here are more affordable than in other countries. A friend’s encouragement made it all feel possible. When I decided to attend university in Korea, I wanted the stability and credibility of a recognized institution, and Yonsei University, known internationally for its strong connections, felt like the right choice.

I had trouble choosing a major, as my interests spanned from the arts to biomedical engineering, but I wanted to study something that aligned with my passion for helping others. Business Administration felt right, as it provides management skills that apply across fields, equipping me to be a reliable leader. Yonsei’s School of Business, with its focus on international cooperation, also supported my goals.

My first day in Korea, however, wasn’t particularly memorable due to COVID restrictions. Still, I felt a mix of relief and excitement for a new chapter. Navigating COVID screening without knowing much Korean was a challenge, but I was fortunate that my friend’s family took me in for quarantine. Despite the language barriers, they welcomed me with warmth, and I’ll always be grateful for their kindness. The main challenges for me were the language barrier and adjusting to the cuisine. Living with my friend’s family made it hard initially, especially since I struggled with sharing dishes, but they were kind and patient. Over time, I adapted to Korean dining customs and came to enjoy them. The early days were also lonely, especially under COVID restrictions, yet looking back, those struggles helped me grow into who I am today.

Once restrictions eased, I was able to meet other foreign students, which became a turning point. I reached out to Yonsei’s Foreign Student Union (FSU) to get answers to my questions and connect with other foreign students. They helped me immensely as they not only tried their best to answer all my questions but also met my closest friend there. Through Yonsei’s Foreign Student Union (FSU), I found guidance and community. Inspired by the help I received, I joined FSU myself to help other international students navigate similar challenges. I wanted it to become a platform where international students could find community and a voice within the university.

I spent most of my time off campus, and starting my studies during COVID meant I never had a typical freshman experience at the International Campus, but Yonsei’s campuses are beautiful, and I have plenty of photos capturing their seasonal charm. My main focus, however, was on helping other international students through FSU. I initially organized events to help students explore Korean culture, like tours of Gyeongbokgung Palace and pottery-making sessions.

Eventually, I became vice president and worked to expand FSU into a thriving organization. We grew from 15 to over 60 members, launching initiatives like the Songdo Global Fair, where students could share their cultures through food, music, and crafts. We also built a strong Instagram presence to offer practical tips and resources for Yonsei students. In addition, I worked at Yonsei’s Global One-Stop Center, helping students navigate campus life. These experiences solidified my commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive community for international students.

Every day at Yonsei has been a challenge that helped shape me. I’ve met so many people who have become close to my heart, and as graduation nears, I can hardly imagine leaving. I’m hoping to stay in Korea, though I know it’s challenging as a foreigner. In the long term, I hope to work internationally and perhaps return to Korea someday. Currently, I’m seeking an internship in Germany and plan to pursue graduate studies in international management in Europe. My advice for foreign students studying in Korea and at Yonsei would be to simply be yourself. Don’t be afraid to take on challenges, ask for help when you need it, and live your life to the fullest. No decision is final, so embrace the opportunity to make mistakes, change your mind, and keep moving forward. Your time here is about growth, learning, and making connections—so make the most of it, and don’t be afraid to explore new paths.

Interview by student reporter Jo Beomsu

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