Yonsei University

NURUL IZZATI BINTI GHAZALI / YONSEI UNIVERSITY / SPRING 2020

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR HOST UNIVERSITY?

Yonsei University is known as one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea. Particularly, it offers courses that I was interested to study in as well as opportunity to learn cultural difference and gain experience studying in South Korea. The university was recommended to me by faculty's coordinator and seniors.

WHAT WAS THE UNIVERSITY LIKE?

The university has three branches located in Seoul, Wonju and Incheon. I took part in an exchange program that was held by Yonsei University Mirae Campus, Wonju. The environment was quite different from any universities situated in the city. The surrounding was peaceful and filled with nature and there were hills that allow the students and visitors to hike, parks to have a picnic and on top of that beautiful lake that is known as one of the significant features of the campus. Besides having beautiful buildings the university is equipped with amazing facilities which is very comfortable to be used by the students.

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Due to the recent pandemic, all of the classes were conducted through online. In my experience, the lecturers were very helpful since the beginning until the end especially to the exchange students that might have difficulty to understand the study plan. The lecturers posted guidelines and study materials regularly on the student's portal and the instruction was clear regarding homework and assignment requirements. Zoom meeting was conducted several times which allow students to interact and discuss with each other as well as the professor. There are times when I personally request to meet the professors to resolve problems that I had related to some courses and they are more than happy to guide and assist me. Being under AIMS program, AIMS scholarship recipients were required to participate in a course titled Diversity and Convergence in East Asia which conducted to deepen the understanding of Korean culture and learning the relationship between South Korea and other Asian states. Through this course we were given the opportunity to join physical lectures and seminars held outside of the campus when the government has eased out social restriction due to the Covid-19. For examples, we visited Wonju social community center and listened to forum at the KOR-ASEAN center in Seoul. Besides that we had a field trip to Busan where we visited War of Prisoners and National Memorial Museum of Forced Mobilization Under Japanese Occupation to fulfill class requirement. All expenses were funded by the host university.

NON-ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

At first we were given the chance to sign up for clubs that we were interested in but due to the social distancing that was required to be practiced, all activities were cancelled. Thus, we were not able to participate in any extra-curricular activities. However, the International Student Center had planned a trip for the exchange students to the Gangwon Bridge which is one of the popular destination in Wonju. Even though there was no local students that came with us, I get to interact with other exchange students and university staff. Moreover, our coordinator brought us a long to Nami Island and we get to experience the nature and beauty of South Korea. Another exciting trip was to the Everland amusement park. However, the schedule clashed with a class field trip that I was required to attend.

EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE

There are numerous experiences that I gained from joining the exchange program. This program has made me braver to try many things and go out of my comfort zone for the sake of learning. In many cases, I have to figure out things all by myself and that certainly has made me become more self-reliable. Besides that living in a place filled with foreigners from all over the countries in a state that is different from my home country opened my mind even wider to accept differences in my forms.

ACCOMMODATION

Since classes were conducted virtually there were not many local students stayed in the dormitory or campus. Hence, all of the international students including us were placed in the best dormitory building available at the campus. Our accommodation fee was paid by the host university. Facilities in the building both inside of our personal rooms and community ones were great and the housing officers were willing to assist us whenever help is needed. The most important thing is that the security was very high, no outsiders are allowed to enter dormitory building. There was also a curfew imposed to ensure safety of the students.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

At the end of Spring I get to travel to several places as the government restrictions were eased. I went to Busan for the second time to meet my close friend who was doing an exchange program in Chonnam National University. From Wonju, my host university coordinator helped me to purchase the ticket in advance in order for me to have a safe and smooth journey. Trip to Busan was not difficult at all since we have a few local friends from Pukyong National University to assist us during our stay. After that we moved to Seoul and stay there for a few days before our scheduled flights. In Seoul we get to visit a few tourist spots such as Bukcheon Hanok Village, Han River and Lotte World.

LIFE ABROAD EXPERIENCES

Although we were facing a pandemic during our stay in South Korea, making friends were not difficult at all for me. Personally, I am an outgoing person who is not afraid of talking to other people. I get to make friends with some local students due to the frequent visit to the library. Not only that, when I was visiting some exhibitions or art galleries in Seoul there were a few people that approach me and naturally we became friends. Through that they further introduce me to their other friends who were interested to get to know foreigners. Overall, some of them were genuinely welcoming of us.

BENEFITS FROM THIS PROGRAM

This program has made me realize that I am very keen to learn new things. I was not only given the chance of knowing and befriending new people but also I get to discover many things about myself too. Acknowledging our true potential and weakness is very important especially for self improvement. Throughout the program I had to be independent and certainly we have been hampered with several issues during our journey. Therefore, my survival skill has significantly increased as well as my ability of quick problem-solving. Besides that, I get to experience being in classes that were being conducted differently from what I had to go through in the home university in the sense of teaching method. Another point that I have gained when I was doing the exchange program is that I get to witness and participate in the interaction between people from different countries be it on the professional level or personal level. The first-hand experience of cultural exchange activities have helped me to understand better about the importance of public diplomacy on the grassroots level and how it brings serious impacts to the relationship between two different states in general.

ADVICE TO OTHERS

Going abroad to fulfill an exchange program and visiting another country for a trip or holiday are two different things. Participating in an exchange program will open many opportunities to us that we cannot simply get anywhere else. Being able to experience learning in both our home university and the university abroad will change the way we think in a good way which eventually will mature us to be a better person. Furthermore, it also serves as a platform to create a lifelong friendship with a lot of people.

NURUL IZZATI BINTI GHAZALI

(AIE180022)

TOP TIPS

Firstly, have an open-minded mentality that can accept different things from what we usually used to. It is important to not be afraid or feel inferior by foreigners that you might think as intimidating instead try to interact and approach them. As you are having a lot of fun do not lose your sense of purpose being there. Do not neglect your studies and forget that your are representing your university as well as country.

MOHAMMAD IKMAL SAFWAN BIN AZMAN / YONSEI UNIVERSITY / SPRING 2020

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR HOST UNIVERSITY?

I choose Yonsei University because it was recommended by my faculty's coordinator. Other than that, Yonsei University is also one of the top three university in South Korea. So, I thought that I could gain a lot of benefit if I were to go to Yonsei.

WHAT WAS THE UNIVERSITY LIKE?

Yonsei University Mirae Campus is surrounded by nature and is far away from the busy city. This makes the condition surrounding the university to be calm and conducive to be in. The buildings are near to each other so it is easy to go from one place to another. The university is also connected to the main bus route to go to the city and markets that is quite far from the campus. Yonsei University is made up of 3 main campuses; Wonju, Sinchon and Songdo. The spirit of Yonsei and their academic tradition took roots in Wonju as they opened their first medical school in 1978 known as Wonju Campus Medical School. Since then, it has expanded to establish itself as a university and grew into one of Ganwon region’s leading campuses since moving to Maejiri in 1984. Yonsei opened their international campus in Songdo, Incheon, back in 2010 as the first step for the University to become a world-class education centre and research powerhouse

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Because of the pandemic, classes were conducted online and a lot of activities that the lecturers had planned was cancelled due to the virus. However, the lecturers and our coordinator were very helpful from the moment that we arrived at Yonsei. Lecturers posted guidelines and study materials on the student portal regularly. They also would conduct Zoom meeting every week to discuss about the subject and projects that we need to do. This is a great opportunity for me to meet Korean friends because a lot of them were group works and I took the opportunity to make friends. Being under AIMS program, AIMS scholarship recipients were required to register a course called Diversity and Convergence in East Asia which was conducted to deepen the understanding of Korean culture and learning the relationship between South Korea and other Asian states. Through this course we were given the opportunity to join physical lectures and seminars held outside of the campus. For examples, we visited Wonju social community center and listened to forum at the KOR-ASEAN center in Seoul. Besides that we had a field trip to Busan where we visited War of Prisoners and National Memorial Museum of Forced Mobilization Under Japanese Occupation to fulfill class requirement. All expenses were funded by the host university

NON-ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Through AIMS, we got the opportunity to go to various places such as Nami Island, Busan and Seoul. Nami Island was more to a sightseeing trip. Busan leaned more towards to the historical side where we visited places such as Geoje POW camp and UN memorial cemetery. The trip to Seoul was mainly educational where we had lectures from The ASEAN Centre and the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat. Aside from the Nami island trip, both trip to Busan and Seoul was joined by several Korean students which was quite fun because we barely meet any Korean students on campus due to classes being conducted online.

EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE

Honestly, the opportunity to live abroad is such a blessing because you can find your true self there and that it gives you a new perspective on life also. It didn't changed or altered the my approach but since I met with a bunch of different people with different backgrounds, it gives me insight on their morals and ideas to life itself.

ACCOMMODATION

Due to the Corona Virus, Yonsei University provided us with 2 accommodation which were Seyeon 2nd for quarantine upon arrival and Cheongyeon 1st for the rest of the semester. Both of the dormitories are located within the campus ground, so it was very convenient to commute and get by around the campus. Fortunately, the fees for both universities were covered by my scholarship.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

During the programme, I would usually go around Wonju and experience the locals way of living here because to me people acted and behave differently in different cities. After the programme ended, I manage to go to Busan for a week and explore the city with friends from Pukyong National University. After Busan, I went to Seoul to experience the "Seoul city life" before going back to Malaysia.

LIFE ABROAD EXPERIENCES

It was not that hard considering I had some experience before but it was not easy also. I think to change to different settings and environment than what you used to be in is scary. Making friends and trying new things are nerve wrecking but you need to do it anyway. Not only that, if you don't have any knowledge about the country that you went to, you have to learn the local language and culture fast because it might be troublesome. The friends that I made there are mostly either other exchange students or a friend of a friend.

BENEFITS FROM THIS PROGRAM

I realise that my communication skills are better now compared to before. This is because I mainly have to communicate with the locals there using Korean instead of English. I would also like believe that I have improve in terms of making the best decisions in a short period of time due to some inconveniences during the programme . I also had the opportunity to experience a slightly different learning environment than the one that I used to back in UM.

ADVICE TO OTHERS

I would say that if you want to do an exchange programme, just do it. It is good to listen to feedback from other students but it is better to experience it yourself. If you have enough resources then just go. Both University will help you if you were to face any problem. Also to make sure you've done enough research about the place that you want to or will be going to.

MOHAMMAD IKMAL SAFWAN

(AIC180007)

TOP TIPS

Try and mingle with the locals more rather than staying inside your own bubble, step out of your comfort zone. By doing that you can truly explore the country that you are residing in.

MOHAMAD SUFYAN BIN ZUKHAIRI / YONSEI UNIVERSITY / SPRING 2020

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR HOST UNIVERSITY?

Yonsei University also dedicates to educate future leaders of the society in the spirit of Christianity, while also upholding the freedom of religion, fostering a strong and lasting commitment to the principle of truth and freedom. It also serves as the “alma mater” of all arts and science to nurture leaders who will contribute to the Korean and international society, in the ecumenical spirit of Christian teaching epitomized in its motto of “truth and freedom.” Their philosophy, Yonseians will inherit mankind’s cultural legacy, and lead academic development through creativity and critical thinking while also serves others with an open heart, and contribute to the prosperity of humankind.

WHAT WAS THE UNIVERSITY LIKE?

Yonsei University was formed in 1957 from the merger of two national universities with long histories, the National Yonhi Universities, began on April 10th 1885 as Korea’s first modern hospital “Gwanghyewon”, and the Severance Hospital and Severance Medical School. Through the merger, it has now grown to become one of the best universities in Korea. It has now also become the driving force behind Korea’s economic and political growth, as it also continues to spearhead university education and research. The history of Yonsei University began on April 10th, 1885, as Korea’s first modern hospital "Gwanghyewon." Two weeks after opening, King Kojong gave Gwanghyewon a new name - "Chejungwon." Gwanghyewon was established by a medical missionary, Horace N. Allen. Before opening, missionary Horace G. Underwood visited Korea, assisting in medical treatment at Chejungwon while starting his work in education and missionary activities. These two missionaries' work that is based in Chejungwon has become the foundation of Yonsei. Since then, works related to medicine were institutionalized to become what was initially the Severance Medical College and later Severance Hospital and Severance Medical School. Meanwhile, in education, what was initially known as Underwood School, Gyeongsin School, and later Yonhi College became Yonhi University. Yonhi and Severance supported the independence and modernization of Korea during Japanese colonization and at times of crises. As a university, it also bore the responsibility to democratize and modernize the country after the Korean War. Yonsei University also dedicates to educate future leaders of the society in the spirit of Christianity, while also upholding the freedom of religion, fostering a strong and lasting commitment to the principle of truth and freedom. It also serves as the “alma mater” of all arts and science to nurture leaders who will contribute to the Korean and international society, in the ecumenical spirit of Christian teaching epitomized in its motto of “truth and freedom.” Their philosophy, Yonseians will inherit mankind’s cultural legacy, and lead academic development through creativity and critical thinking while also serves others with an open heart, and contribute to the prosperity of humankind. Yonsei University first took place in Wonju, the one that we went, in which it first opened as the Wonju Campus Medical School in 1978. It later expanded to establish itself as a university, and it grew into one of Gangwon region’s leading campuses since moving to Maeji-ri in 1984. In 2010, they open an international campus in Songdo, Incheon. Through decentralization and collaboration among its campuses (Sinchon, Health System, Wonju, International), Yonsei is committed to contributing to the development of mankind and society by leading creative changes and to build a new history.

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

16 March 2020 marked the beginning of the spring semester at Yonsei University. The first week of the semester from 16 March until 22 March 2020 is the course registration week. Students must register themselves through the course website within the prescribed period. Before register the subject, we email the officer in our department in University Malaya respectively for the confirmation of the credit transfer, The registration of the subject in this university can be done using the laptop or the mobile through its academic portal. The portal has a selection for English language making it easier for us to navigate through the process. From, dozen subject that were offered, we chose five subjects, in which one was compulsory for AIMS students that represent 14 credits individually. During the examination, it was divided into two section, mid-term and final examination. Both examinations were held online due to precautions taking around COVID-19. The question of the examination is most likely yo be short essay and a direct structural question. The time or duration that were given for the student to answer the question of the examination is vary but commonly we were given a day to answer it. However, the examination method in some classes are different depending on the lecturer itself. For instance, the long essay question in which students have to do research were given within a week for the midterm as well as final examination to accomplish via email. We observed the evaluation method is based on the assignment, midterm exam, attendance, and final exam that represent 100 marks. In some classes, the evaluation mark consists of 25% on all aspect of the evaluation method, which clearly shows the marking scheme is based on the continuous assessment, the students need to be consistent throughout the semester in order to gain an excellent result. The grade system that be used is from A+ to D0. To pass the subject, student needs to get at least C0. Each semester in Yonsei University has at least 15 weeks. The class hours estimated around 50 minutes to 80 minutes per session. During the 50 minutes lecture, 10 minutes break were given while for 80 minutes lecture, 15 minutes break. I took dive class for this semester in Yonsei University, which means I had two classes in a week for each subject, respectively. In Yonsei University, mostly all the classes only available from Monday to Thursday, there is a class during Friday but only a few and some is for the replacement class. Due to classes being online, I personally don’t get the chances to actually meet some of my classmates, rather only a few who actually stayed on the campus. Fun fact about Korean undergraduate program, they do not have to do the thesis or final year project and the internship, only the architecture undergraduate program need to obtain one-month internship in any company, and the other students have to join any volunteer work and fulfil some requirement to pass graduate school. Due to the classes being online, the teaching method is a bit different than regular. Basically the teaching method by the lecturer is based on the PPT (PowerPoint Presentation) and in a detail that needs a justification, the lecturer normally will show us the video taken from the Youtube and news website. But the method is vary depending on the lecturer. Some prefer to Kakaotalk group, more like a Whatsapp group here and have the student discuss the question that he posted an hour before the class. The lecturer encouraged every student to participate in the class discussion, in order to generate creative thinking and the policy-making on the current issues. The syllabus that has been taught in every class is easy to understand and the topic that being discussed is about the current global issues, without bias on any side of the political view, I believed that I have gained a tremendous knowledge during my studies in Yonsei University, not only in International and Area studies but also our view has broaden especially in term of economy and politics of South Korea. For instance, we have learned much about the relation between South Korea and ASEAN, socially and economically, and went to the ASEAN- Korean centre located in Seoul. This is one of the amazing experience as we gathered a bunch of beneficial information about South Korea policy. Honestly, three of us are honoured to bring the University of Malaya’s name to Yonsei University as most of the student and the lecturer here are respecting UM as the prestigious university in Malaysia. I am also grateful because none of us experienced racial or religious discrimination either from the lecturer or the native students for these past four months, instead, they welcomed us with open arms. The Professors here is well educated in their area of studies and humble. They always interact with the students in English in every class that has an international student and if some notes are jotted down in Hangul, the lecturer immediately will translate it to English. During our one-semester stay at Yonsei University, we really had a close relationship with the lecturers as they treated us nicely and sometimes, we went out for dinner together. We really had a good bonding with the lecturer.

NON-ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

As we progressed through our semester abroad, we were able to experience life in a foreign country outside the classroom, as well. It was quite interesting to observe the difference in culture and traditions in Korea as compared to Malaysia. Due to the coronavirus-19, we weren’t able to actually enjoyed the activity that was initially planned as most of it was cancelled as a safety precaution. And truth be told, our movement outside of the campus was limited as we were advised by our coordinator to not go to any places that have a lot of people as well as our own paranoia towards the pandemic. Simply put, due to the pandemic, we haven’t got the chances to actually live the “Korean experience” in which under normal circumstances we could. Nevertheless, we did manage to do a few trips around Korea, thanks to our coordinator and the officer of Yonsei University, who wants to ensure that all get the exchange get at least a little taste of experience in Korea, amid the pandemic, while also ensuring our safety and health. Our first brush with Korean culture came in the form of folk games, as the host universities kindly organized Korean Traditional Folk Games Day on the 8th of May. Four games that were being played- 1) Tuho, a traditional East Asian game that requires players to throw sticks from a set distance into a large sometimes ornate, canister. 2) Jegichagi, a Korean traditional outdoor game derived from the Chinese game cuju in which players kick a paper jegi into the air and attempt to keep it aloft. 3) Yunnori, a traditional board game played in Korea, especially during Korean New Year and 4) Gong-gi, a popular Korean children’s game that is traditionally played using five or more small grape-sized pebbles. We were also able to observe Korean history through our trips to historical sites in Busan and Seoul. In Busan, we visited the National Memorial Museum of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Occupation to learn more about the issue of forced labour and “women of comfort” under the Japanese occupation of Korea. We also visited the United Nations Memorial Cemetery where a large majority of the martyred soldiers of the Korean war have been laid to rest. We also went to Historic Park of Geoje POW camp where we learn more about the Korean War. In Seoul, we visited the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace built during the Joseon Dynasty built at the centre of Seoul serving as the residence for the kings of the Joseon Dynasty as well as their families. This palace continued to serve as the main palace until it was affected by a fire during the Imjin War in 1592. We also have the chances to visit Trilateral Corporation Secretariat, in which it is an established with a vision to promote peace and common prosperity among the People’s Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. We are also deeply honoured to get a lecture by the officer of the TCS regarding its operation. We also visited the ASEAN-Korean centre where we get a lecture on the relation between South Korea and ASEAN. It is truly an eye-opening as we got the opportunity to actually met some of the people that are working hard to ensure the relationship between the two are good and get some insight from them. Aside from that, we also went for a trip around our hometown, Wongju, learning about social entrepreneurship. After spending four months in Wongju, I can say with full confidence that Wongju is one of the most sustainable towns I had ever reside in. Its community are fulled with a social entrepreneur who dedicates their life to support the community around them and making their own town a better place to stay. It’s truly eye-opening to see what a great community can be.

EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE

Through this program, all three of us were able to gain lots of experiences and knowledge. We truly believe that it has been a life-altering experience. The people we met, the lecturers who taught us, the environment, the history all gave us lessons that we might not be able to get anywhere else. We found through our four months in South Korea that to truly learn and to truly broaden your horizons, travelling is a must-do. Through meeting a variety of people from a variety of places, we were able to learn about various cultures and lifestyles. We met people from Korea, America, Spain, Japan, China and many more countries and we were able to get an in-depth understanding of the various background that everyone comes from. We believe unanimously that our four months abroad have enhanced as academically, professionally, and in our personal lives. We would suggest for anyone who has an opportunity to take a leap of faith and spend take part in an exchange programme if presented with the opportunity

ACCOMMODATION

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the Yonsei staff and went by bus directly to the dormitory of the university, where we will be quarantined for two weeks. We were then showed to our room whereby each one of us gets a dedicated personal room in which we will stay for two weeks. Our accommodation for quarantine comprises of two single building, each for female and male, named Saeyon 2 and Saeyon 1. The male students are quarantined at Saeyon 1 while female students are quarantined at Saeyon 2. Toilet and shower are attached to each room thus making it very convenient as we don’t have to go outside of the room to take a shower or other affairs. We also received meals three times a day during the quarantine period and are fully sponsored by the school. We are required to check our temperature and symptom each day during the quarantine period and if we do have any, we will have to report to the officer in charge. As soon as we finished the mandatory quarantine period, we move to another dormitory called Chungyeun dormitory, in which it will be our room until the end of the semester. The building comprises of two seven-story apartments, one for male students and another for female students. There are a convenient store and the maintenance office as well as the administration office in the lobby at the ground level. Each room in the dormitory fitted with a single bed, worktable and wardrobe for each occupant. Each room are dedicated to three students. There is a fridge and an attached bathroom. The room is also fully air-conditioned and heated. Laundry facilities are also available at the 6th floor and each wash and dry is charged KRW 1,000. Within a hundred meters of the university, we can find all our daily necessity such as convenience store, bookstore, café, bakery, garments store, supermarket, DIY stores, and there is no need for us to go far to obtain something. The dormitory fees were KRW 1, 450, 000. However, as we are under AIMS scholarship, the total fee are paid by the AIMS. The officer of Yonsei University also helped us to make a Korean bank account to make it easier for us in our daily transaction. We are also required to pay KRW 10, 000 won for bedding deposit. As a student of the dormitory, we need to adhere to the curfew rules, whereby we were prohibited to go out between 1 a.m to 6 a.m and were subject ti penalty if we break the rule. Due to COVID-19, Yonsei University was unable to host the orientation day as there are practically no other students inside the campus, other than international and a few local students, as the semester will be held through online learning. Nevertheless, the officer still gave a sort of mini orientation on the 9th of March, where we were taken around tour the whole university and visit Daiso and E- mart to buy a few necessities. On the 18th of September, the host university also helped us to apply for our alien resident card. An alien card is a temporary identity card for foreign student issued by the immigration department so that we don’t have to bring our passport everywhere. It tools about an hour by bus to get to the immigration office from our campus. Transportation service around the university is excellent. There are public buses, taxis and e-hailing services. The bus service passes every 3 to 5 minutes and there are a lot of taxis around so it is very convenient for us to move around the town.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

We found through our four months in South Korea that to truly learn and to truly broaden your horizons, travelling is a must-do. Through meeting a variety of people from a variety of places, we were able to learn about various cultures and lifestyles. We met people from Korea, America, Spain, Japan, China and many more countries and we were able to get an in-depth understanding of the various background that everyone comes from. We believe unanimously that our four months abroad have enhanced as academically, professionally, and in our personal lives. We would suggest for anyone who has an opportunity to take a leap of faith and spend take part in an exchange programme if presented with the opportunity

LIFE ABROAD EXPERIENCES

BENEFITS FROM THIS PROGRAM

ADVICE TO OTHERS

Find a university that offered scholarship so you don't have to worry about money. Especially in countries like South Korea and Japan, their student's welfare are really great, so you will be safe during your exchange

MOHAMAD SUFYAN BIN ZUKHAIRI

(AIE180008)

TOP TIPS

Be open minded, you are in other countries, respect their cultures and be understanding even though sometimes you'll meet annoying people.

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