Muangdee Surasak, 

GSIS Newsletter- Junior Editor

Studying abroad is one of life’s most precious experiences. It is a time when you get to travel and live far from home for years in pursuit of education. At Yonsei GSIS, hundreds of international students from diverse backgrounds come together to study, grow, and share meaningful moments. But as with every beginning, there eventually comes an end. In this summer semester, many students who have completed their programs will receive their degrees and celebrate graduation.

In this article, we invite one of our soon-to-be graduates to reflect on her journey and share her thoughts and experiences. Tina, a PIC major from the United States, holds a background in International Relations and Political Science, with a strong interest in foreign policy. She moved to Korea two years ago to pursue her Master’s degree at Yonsei GSIS. We asked her a few questions - here’s her story about life at GSIS and in Korea.

How would you describe your past two years at Yonsei GSIS and living in Korea? 

Tina shared that she once had an international friend back home in the U.S. who told her that studying abroad had changed her life and she said she could not agree more after experiencing the same journey at Yonsei GSIS. She explained that studying at an international graduate school gave her the opportunity to grow and broaden her perspective, as she met many international friends from diverse backgrounds and different parts of the world. Reflecting on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, shesaid, “I would periodically ponder if I should have just stayed at home and gone to grad school [in the U.S.]...”

What has been your most memorable or impactful experience at Yonsei GSIS?

Tina shared with us that one of the biggest reasons she chose to study in Korea was her desire to gain an academic perspective beyond the American one. With many international classmates at Yonsei GSIS, she said one of the most impactful experiences was listening to her peers share stories from their home countries and discuss their own politics and policies. These conversations broadened her perspective beyond her American viewpoint. “I didn't expect how impactful those perspectives would be…” she shared with the GSIS Newsletter.

What advice would you give to incoming students? 

As Yonsei GSIS offers a wide range of courses on various topics, and professors typically give students a great deal of freedom to explore countries and subjects of interest, Tina recommended: “Researching and writing about countries you have little to no comprehension of is just as important and exciting. It gives you the opportunity to learn more about one of the hundreds of nations in the world.” Therefore, incoming students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, explore new areas of knowledge, and feel free to consult their professors when conducting research.

Last but not least, she summed up her experience at Yonsei GSIS in one sentence: “My time at GSIS showed me the power of international education and experience.” The unique opportunity to study abroad and build friendships with people from around the world in a foreign country is an unforgettable experience—one that begins when you dare to step out of your comfort zone. The GSIS Newsletter hopes this article inspires both current and incoming students to make the most of their two to three years living and studying in Korea. In the next edition, we look forward to sharing more amazing stories from the GSIS community,so do not miss it!