By Jina Lee

Editor, Yonsei GSIS Newsletter 

Two exciting new clubs have joined the Yonsei GSIS community this semester, offering unique opportunities for students to connect and explore: the Cafe Review Club and the Volleyball Club. These clubs enrich the student experience and foster a sense of community among the many students at GSIS. As students continuously look for opportunities to balance their academic life with social interactions, these clubs provide engaging new ways for new friendships and shared interests.

Yonsei Volleyball Club: Bridging Cultural Gaps Through Sports

The Volleyball Club, led by President Philip Kurylo (ITFM, 2nd semester), creates an inclusive space for international students to engage in team sports. Breaking away from traditional language barriers, the club conducts training sessions in English while offering language support in Korean and Chinese.

"We're bringing together students from all backgrounds to enjoy team sports in a welcoming environment," explains Kurylo. "Our goal is to help people make friends more easily while staying active."

The club meets weekly with 21 members at a private facility near Seodaemun Station. Members can join the permanent members' group chat, where weekly announcements are posted. Spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. A participation fee of 15,000 won per session covers hall rental and equipment costs.

Cafe Review Club: Discovering Seoul's Hidden Gems

Co-founded by Jassa Chang-Weinberg (ITFM, 2nd semester) and Frédérique Morré (KSP, 3rd Semester PhD), the Cafe Review Club offers a delightful blend of exploration, conversation, and coffee culture. Recognizing that student life shouldn't be all about academics and career planning, this club creates space for "silly little" adventures and meaningful connections. The club takes members on journeys through Seoul's diverse neighborhoods, discovering unique cafes while fostering meaningful connections among peers.

"Have you ever wanted to explore various neighborhoods in Seoul, sipping funky little drinks while having casual chats with your peers?" the founders ask. This casual yet social club provides a perfect escape from the rigors of graduate studies, allowing members to discover and rate Seoul's vast cafe landscape together.

Members can venture into lesser-known neighborhoods and discover hidden cafe gems they might otherwise miss, all while building meaningful connections with fellow students in a relaxed setting. Every two weeks, the club selects a specific theme to guide their explorations - from discovering cafes near NMH to finding the perfect study spots and enjoying rooftop cafes amid Seoul's beautiful autumn weather. Through shared experiences and cafe reviews, students can take a well-deserved break from academic pressures and become part of their growing community of "cappu-chingus" (cappuccino friends).

While still in its early stages, the club aims to strengthen its small community and help members discover hidden cafe gems throughout Seoul. As a new initiative, it embraces its "growing pains" while maintaining its core mission of bringing students together in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.

Both clubs represent exciting additions to GSIS student life, offering unique ways to build friendships and create memorable experiences at Yonsei. Whether you're interested in staying active through sports or exploring Seoul's cafe culture, these new clubs provide perfect opportunities to engage with fellow students outside the classroom.

For the latest updates and information about joining either club, follow their respective Instagram accounts and become part of these growing communities.