YONSEI INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL

My experience in the Yonsei International Summer School was life changing. Coming in, I was a bit nervous about stepping into a new school with new people in a new country. However, the nerves settled when me and the other students received a warm and vibrant welcome from Yonsei. Our orientation helped, as it featured Yonsei’s dance team dancing to popular K-pop songs, which definitely hyped up the crowd. The orientation was not only fun but informative, providing us with resources, contacts, and maps to help settle us in. As a little extra touch, they even handed out travel-sized skincare products, which I thought were really cute. 

There was a range of activities offered by Yonsei, like cooking class, taekwondo, lotteworld, and so on, ensuring that there was something for everyone. I participated in the K-pop dance class where I learned the choreography of “How Sweet” by New Jeans from an encouraging choreographer. After class, me and the rest of the students had the chance to explore Mangwon Market, a street food market, which was very unique. Another activity I participated in was a trip to the Korean Folk Village, a place that I might not have visited on my own. The village, with cultural performances, traditional architecture, and glimpses into historical life, helped provide a different look into Korea’s history. 

The academic side of this program was also rewarding. Although the classes were information-heavy, the professors were clear, supportive, and made the learning enjoyable through their passion and engaging teaching styles. 

One of the most significant aspects of my YiSS experience was the opportunity to meet and connect with people from all over the world. I created friendships with students from Korea, across the United States, Germany, Australia, and Singapore (which is where my roommate was from!). These friendships I still carry with me; I am even planning to spend Thanksgiving with a friend I met at YISS!

Before this trip, I had an interest in Korean culture, but nothing would have prepared me for the understanding I gained from actually being immersed in it. Experiencing the culture firsthand, learning the Korean language, exploring a different cuisine, learning traditional dance, and Korean etiquette was eye opening. It offered me a new perspective on the world and how big the world really is, and how much cultural history lies inside. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for Korean culture, but also sparked an interest for travel and exploration.  

Returning home, I feel like I have gained so much new knowledge, unforgettable memories, and a new world perspective. YISS has inspired me to continue exploring the world. One day I do hope to come back and explore even more!

-Aviana Reynard, Lehigh University