By Mason He 
Yonsei GSIS Newsletter Editor

After midterms were over, May at Yonsei GSIS was full of fun and interactive social activities: GSA’s Incheon trip and Bowling Intern event, Spring 2024 ODAR Career Fair, Bowling Event, KSC’s Tea Time, Iyagi Hour Jjimjilbang and Fashion Show, and GBH’s interactive workshop sessions. 

Spring 2024 ODAR Career Fair

On May 17th, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations (ODAR) held its semesterly career fair, the 2024 Spring Career Fair. This event allowed students to discover various career paths and connect with distinguished alumni from diverse professional backgrounds. This year, six speakers representing both the public and private sectors were invited: Simone Liew, Dmitriy Kim, Eleonora Fasan, Paul Hussey, Grecia Dominique Garcia, and Joel Petersson Ivre.

The presentations were engaging and informative, particularly for the first-year students, who had plenty of questions for speakers on how to prepare best to enter the working world. The evening concluded on a high note with dinner, networking, and a raffle event. The enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination displayed by all participants are the driving forces behind these events. We are confident that the connections and insights gained will serve as stepping stones for their successful future!

Explore and Unwind: Yonsei GSA's Unforgettable Trip to Incheon’s Chinatown and Wolmido Island
We are excited to share the highlights of our recent adventure with the Yonsei Graduate Student Association (GSA)! On May 12, a spirited group of graduate students embarked on a delightful journey to Incheon, visiting Chinatown and Wolmido Island. This excursion provided the perfect blend of cultural exploration, culinary delight, and seaside relaxation, offering everyone a well-deserved break from midterms. Our day began with a stroll through Incheon’s Chinatown, bustling with rich history and charm, where students had the opportunity to savor authentic Korean-Chinese cuisine. Each bite was a journey, bringing us closer through shared tastes and conversations.

After touring Chinatown, we set off for Wolmido Island, a gem known for its scenic beauty and lively attractions. The island greeted us with a refreshing sea breeze and stunning coastline views. Some of us opted for a leisurely walk along the promenade, soaking in the sunlight, while others ventured into the amusement park, where laughter and excitement filled the air. The amusement park was a hit, with thrilling rides and games that brought out the child in everyone. The Ferris wheel offered breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the sea beyond, creating a perfect photo opportunity for many. 

This trip was about the sights and activities, building connections, and making memories. The relaxed setting allowed students from various disciplines to mingle, share experiences, and forge new friendships. 

GSA Interns Strike Up Fun at Bowling Event
The Yonsei Graduate Student Association (GSA) recently organized an exciting intern event that brought together both inexperienced and experienced bowlers for an evening of friendly competition. The event, held at Teahwa Bowling Center, proved to be a resounding success, with participants from all skill levels enjoying the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to bond with their fellow interns.

Throughout the event, teams were continually mixed, fostering a sense of unity and encouraging interaction among the interns. The friendly rivalry between participants excited the proceedings, with everyone striving to achieve their best scores. 

Organizing the event was challenging, as finding a venue that could accommodate a large group proved to be a daunting task. However, the GSA's perseverance paid off when they secured the tracks at Teahwa Bowling Center, ensuring that everyone could partake in the fun.

KSC -  Engaging TOPIK Workshop, Weekend Party, and Tea Time

This month, the Korean Student Council (KSC) organized various engaging events and activities for the student community. To mark the conclusion of the midterm exams and provide students with a well-deserved break, the council put together an exciting "KSParty" in the Hongdae district. The event featured a delightful dinner, an entertaining game of Jeopardy, and a lively karaoke night, allowing students to unwind, socialize, and celebrate their accomplishments. 

In addition to the festive gathering, KSC collaborated with the Graduate Student Association (GSA) to deliver a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) workshop session, providing valuable assistance and guidance to students preparing for the language proficiency exam. 

Furthermore, the council had the privilege of welcoming Professor Wong Hayoung for the final tea time event of the semester, creating an opportunity for students to engage in meaningful discussions and gain insights from the esteemed professor in a relaxed and informal setting.

Iyagi Hour -  Immersing Students in Korean Culture, Fashion Show, and Muak Festival

Iyagi Hour started May with a Korean cultural experience by organizing a trip to a 찜질방 (jjimjilbang), a traditional Korean-style sauna. For many students, it was their first time visiting a jjimjilbang, making it both an exciting and nerve-wracking adventure. Upon entering, participants changed into the provided clothes and enjoyed a meal at the sauna's canteen. Embracing the Korean tradition often showcased in a variety of programs, the students purchased hard-boiled eggs and learned the art of cracking them on their heads. They also explored various heated and cold rooms, ultimately ending the afternoon with a relaxing day after a stressful midterm season.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Iyagi Hour partnered with the Foreign Student Union (FSU) to host their first-ever Fashion Show at Yonsei University's Songdo campus. The event, part of the Songdo Global Fair, aimed to celebrate and represent diverse cultures through fashion. The president and creator of the Fashion Show, took to the runway alongside other participants, showcasing a vibrant array of styles and designs from around the world.

To cap off an eventful month, the Iyagi Hour team visited the two-day Muak Festival held on the Sinchon campus. The festival, a highlight of the school year, offered a wide range of activities and attractions. The team began exploring the Amphitheater, where they were treated to various impressive performances. They then proceeded to sample the diverse cuisines offered by the numerous food trucks at the festival. The Muak Festival provided a fantastic opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere and create lasting memories as the semester drew close.

Through these engaging events and collaborations, Iyagi Hour continues to foster a deeper appreciation for Korean culture while strengthening the bonds within the international student community at Yonsei University.

GBH - Workshop sessions to master your confidence and brand yourself

“Mastering your confidence, Be Prepared for any Job Interview”.  This insightful event was led by one of Global Business Hub (GBH) community managers, Valerie Hentschel, and it was met with students eager to boost their confidence for job interviews and learn more about what they can expect to prepare!  Valerie shared invaluable advice and tips from current professionals in the public sector on feeling prepared and confident. One highlight was her emphasis on the “elevator pitch” — where students can consider the order of their background and focus on points that make them unique, experience, and future careers. Everyone got involved and bravely stepped outside their comfort zones to practice their pitches and discuss with each other what’s outstanding about themselves. In the end, Valerie emphasized the key takeaway: “Always stay true to yourself, acknowledge your strengths, preparation is key, and never give up!”.

GBH Optimizing Linkedin, Branding Yourself Workshop

Finally,  GBH hosted an enlightening LinkedIn Branding workshop. Participants began with a fun icebreaker, reviewing each other's LinkedIn profiles. The workshop covered essential tips for creating a professional profile picture, crafting compelling headlines, and connecting with alumni and peers. The event concluded with dedicated time for attendees to refine their profiles. The key takeaway was the importance of leveraging LinkedIn effectively and embracing broader networking opportunities. GBH thanks Professor Mira Lee, a visiting professor at Yonsei GSIS, and Kim Siyeon (Alex) for sharing their valuable perspectives and advice on what recruiters look for in LinkedIn profiles.