-
11
- My Personal Growth Journey with YISS - James Patrick M. Bonsubre, Ateneo de Davao University
- Spending 6 weeks from 30 June to 6 August 2025, at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, for the Yonsei International Summer School (YISS) Program was definitely a breakthrough for my personal growth journey. I arrived with curiosity about the uncertain future and left with clearer goals aligned to my Ikigai—my reason for being. Living alone in a city where the language and culture were unfamiliar was both thrilling and humbling. I remember my first day in Korea, arriving at Yonsei drenched in sweat, hurriedly brisk walking to the place where I could get my ID, so I could go to my classroom, only to find out later that I didn’t need an ID to enter the classroom. Every day brought new challenges—from navigating the subway during rush hour to conversing with classmates from different institutions all over the world. These moments pushed me outside my comfort zone, and they helped me grow in ways I never expected. Academically, I studied Business Management and Real World Practice with Professor Kim Sahrok, whose teaching style blended theory with real-world application. He challenged us to think critically and creatively. One of the highlights was presenting my personal business plan to the class—a concept rooted in agribusiness, my major at Ateneo de Davao University. Sharing my vision and plans for the future, I received thoughtful feedback from my classmates, a moment I believe is a validation and connection that we are in this world for a purpose of better change. Another unforgettable experience was attending a guest lecture led by the team leader of the famous Korea Telecommunications (KT) Company. The discussion on artificial intelligence made me realize how a new age of technology will and is revolutionizing human evolution. I gained insights that made me realize how human ingenuity can make or break the world as a better place. It sparked a fire in me to think more critically about innovation and its role in environmental preservation. Beyond the classroom, the experiences I formed were just as impactful. Eating ramyeon in the Han River, going home by bus on a rainy night, and cafe-hopping in Itaewon, Hongdae, Seongsu, and Sinchon—these moments reminded me how beautiful it was that I got to experience this in a lifetime. This journey wasn’t always easy. Homesickness, anxiousness, and language barriers were challenges that became a lifelong lesson. These lessons became a stepping stone towards the person I’m becoming. These taught me resilience, empathy, and embracing the uncertain as an opportunity for growth. Overall, this journey strengthened me to pursue a better self. It impacted me in ways words cannot fully describe, with countless memories of my youth filled with exploration, purpose, and a heart full of gratitude.
- 국제하계대학 2025.09.04
-
10
- Highlights of the YISS 2025
- ☆Click HERE to view Video Clip from *GLOBAL KOREAN MUSIC AND CULTURE: FROM ARIRANG TO K-POP* course ▽ Group Photo from *BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND REAL WORLD PRACTICE* course ▽ Group Photo from *SCIENCE, MEDICINE, AND SOCIETY & GENETICS* course ☆Click HERE to view K-ARTLOG from *K-ART IN THE MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ERA* course ✨YISS Highlights✨ For me, the biggest highlights of YISS were being involved with our group project and meeting people from all over the world. Before this program, most of my social circle consisted of other Americans. Now I have friends from all over the globe, and that is something I will always cherish. I would highly recommend this course to future students. It helped me grow as a student, as a traveler, as a person, and I know I will carry the lessons I learned here to what is next.. I would 100% recommend this program to other people as you learn so much about yourself, the real world, build connections, and make lasting memories. Not to mention you get to do it all in Korea and experience some of the day-to-day life. I’d definitely recommend YISS to anyone thinking about studying abroad. It challenged me, made me grow, and gave me memories I’ll always hold onto. In the end, YISS wasn’t just a summer program. It was a life-changing journey that taught me not only about business, but about myself, the world, and the endless possibilities ahead of me. I strongly recommend others to take the YISS course in Korea, as it is a must-have experience that can change your life too. As I look ahead to my college journey, I feel more confident and excited about my path forward. The experiences I’ve had here have not only provided me with academic knowledge but also shaped my perspective on what it takes to succeed in business. I’ll carry the lessons learned, the friendships made, and the connections forged here at YISS with me as I continue my studies and ultimately my professional career. Through YISS, I’m able to make my childhood dream come true, as it opens the door for these experiences. I believe if I meet the little me right now, she would be very proud of me, and I am beyond grateful for that. The highlight of YISS is the experience of Korean life. The highlight of this class is I finally learned a bit about how to behave in companies and the working environments – adult life. I’ll definitely recommend this course to future students! Participating in Yonsei International Summer School (YISS) 2025 has been a transformative experience, pushing me out of my comfort zone and helping me grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. From the classroom to extracurricular activities, every moment has contributed to my personal and professional development. Looking back, I can confidently say that this summer was a turning point, one that challenged me, taught me invaluable lessons, and reshaped my perspective on both my academic journey and future career. Participating in the YISS 2025 summer program was not just an academic endeavour; it became a transformative chapter of self-discovery, resilience, and newfound ambition. Interacting with diverse peers and engaging in thought-provoking discussions pushed me out of my comfort zone, fostering personal growth and deepening my understanding of global perspectives. As I move forward, I’ll carry these invaluable lessons with me, firmly believing that true growth often lies just beyond the boundaries of comfort. This enriching journey has instilled in me a lasting sense of curiosity and a commitment to embrace new challenges. Overall, this YISS experience is truly a breakthrough for me, especially on developing my plans and make connections with people that could last for a lifetime. I have used this trip not just for leisure, but for inner awareness and skills building. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity to learn with the class. Thank you for the one-of-a-kind experience. Most importantly, the highlight of YISS for me was all the people I met, including my classmates and professors. Everyone was open-minded, motivated, and supportive, which created a positive learning environment. The professor’s real-world examples, approachable attitude, and clear communication made the course both engaging and practical. If I could go back in time, I would definitely choose this program again. When I return to my home university, I will definitely recommend this course to other students who want to build a strong foundation in business and gain real-world insights. I would strongly encourage them to take part in YISS as well. All in all, this program has been a turning point for me. I not only improved academically but also learned how to manage pressure and gained insights into both business and culture. I leave Korea with new skills, great memories, and a stronger sense of purpose. Looking back, I truly believe this program gave me a “head start” not just academically, but in life. It gave me a realistic preview of what college will feel like. But most importantly, it showed me that I’m capable of handling it. I know that when I step onto the NYU campus this fall, I’ll be walking in not as a wide-eyed high school graduate, but as someone who has already experienced the challenges and rewards of college life. I’m grateful to YISS for giving me that confidence, and I’m excited to carry everything I’ve learned into the next chapter of my journey. I still think that the highlight of the program was the people and the city, but that is not to say that the classes I took were not valuable. I think this course was very well balanced in terms of content and workload. I think we covered a fair amount of material over these 6 weeks without it being too much that I couldn’t explore the culture of Korea. Overall, the YISS program was extremely beneficial for me as a person, and I couldn’t recommend it enough. The friends I made, the memories I have created, and the knowledge I have gained are sure to stick with me for a very long time. Overall, I think my time here at Yonsei International Summer School was a pleasant experience where I got to learn a lot about myself, where I got to motivate myself for further self-development, and get out of my comfort zone to explore. Also, I think I was able to gain great knowledge of the world and specifically business management, which I think would be a great knowledge that I could apply in the future. Through the group projects, I realized that while the program is specifically about business, I thought it was a concept that could apply easily in group projects and presentations, really giving us the opportunity to apply our knowledge to the group's work. I truly loved this course and think it has given me unforgettable lessons for my future. Overall, YISS 2025 made me feel more prepared for college and beyond. It gave me a better understanding of business as a living, constantly changing field—not just a subject you study from a textbook. I would definitely recommend this course to other students, especially those who want to challenge themselves in a real-world context. This experience made me think more deeply about the kind of person, and professional, I want to become. Overall, this class and my time at YISS helped me learn about myself not only career-wise but also regarding where I might want to take my next steps in my life. This experience also made me realize that I am still so young, and although a lot of peers might seem like they are ahead of me, I still have time to figure out what I want to do with my life. I would recommend this class to anyone who doesn’t know much about business and wants to learn about business in an interactive way that won’t make them bored of the subject quickly. About Class Business Management has been my most introspective class I’ve taken. I’ve had to honestly look and consider what kind of person I am and how that might translate into me being a manager or leader for the future. This way I’ve also learned lessons about things that I need to change about myself or improve on in order to lead business better or just to be a better person for the outside world. One aspect of this class that I particularly enjoyed was how concerned the professor was for our success. I loved how Professor Sharok Kim signed off his emails with “Your success is my success.” I could genuinely tell that the professor cared for his students and wanted them to succeed and experience things outside of the classroom as well. I also really enjoyed the Personal Business Plan assignment because it forced me to imagine my future goals after graduation—something I have definitely thought about, but did not write down before. I definitely had an “Aha!” moment when I figured out which of my two majors I valued the most and it made me realize that my goals and inspirations are just as important as other people’s. The highlight of this class was Team Leader Hoerim Choi’s guest lecture! I really enjoyed him speaking about a topic that he has dedicated so much of his life to, and seeing him genuinely be passionate about the topic. It’s a really interesting take on artificial intelligence from a Christian perspective. I would definitely recommend this course to future students One of the highlights of my experience was definitely the "Business Management and Real World Practice" course. As a student new to the business field, the course offered an exciting yet challenging introduction to concepts like strategic planning, financial analysis, marketing strategies, and leadership. What stood out to me the most was how practical and hands-on the course was. We didn’t just sit through lectures and memorize theories; instead, we applied what we learned through real-world case studies and group projects. The professors were not only knowledgeable but also actively encouraged us to think critically about business decisions and understand the broader implications of those decisions in the global marketplace. I have thoroughly enjoyed studying the business management programme at YISS 2025. I had previously studied at SNU international summer programme two years ago, but the course at YISS was longer and the subject I chose was more demanding compared to my previous classes I took in Korea. This created some doubt as to whether I would manage to balance the course whilst living in a foreign country for an extended amount of time. However, now coming to the end of the YISS programme I can confidently say that despite the hurdles I have grown more as a person both academically and as a person. I found the classes engaging as we would discuss topics I have not thought about in my home university such as the analysis of businesses and what components were needed for a successful company. I would recommend this course, Business Management and Real World Practice, to those who have not taken a business course before to learn about the fundamentals of business. It’s good to learn the terminology, reflect on yourself and goals, and see how everything connects together. The best part certainly was asking us how we see the practices applied to companies, how companies are doing what we are learning, and understanding yourself in how you would use business to further your path to achieving your goals. Over these six weeks, there were chapters that I preferred more than others. Reflecting on these, I will be able to narrow down my interest within the management career path even further. In general, I am more than satisfied with what I have been able to gain and accomplish through the Business Management & Real World Practice course led by Professor Kim. I would like to recommend this class to students wanting to dip their toes into the world of business, as an introductory course. I am confident that taking this course will give students an idea of what a business manager encounters on a day-to-day basis, providing them with the tools to make decisions for their future careers. Once again, thank you, Professor Kim, for your unwavering dedication and commitment to our growth and success. Our success is your Success!
- 국제하계대학 2025.08.13
-
9
- Late Nights, Great Professors, and an Unforgettable Summer - Jack Yang, New York University
- 2025 Commencement Ceremory Speech - Jack Yang, New York University Hello, everyone! My name is Jack Yang and I am currently a rising sophomore at NYU, studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. This summer, like the rest of y’all, I’ve been taking classes here at the campus of Yonsei University. Specifically, I’ve been taking the machine learning class with Professor Lim and Professor Woo. Sure, the walk every morning from SK Global to my classes makes me want to do unspeakable things, but the engaging and genuinely down-to-earth professors make it all worth it. My summer here at Yonsei has been such an amazing experience. My favorite moments have to be the countless nights where me and my friends would go to the coin karaoke, extending our time limit again and again until it's suddenly 2 am. This summer was the first time I’ve been outside of the East Coast since I was 2 years old and meeting people from all over the world made this all worth it. To the current YISS students, good luck on all your future college endeavors. The long nights studying for midterms will be painful but we’ll all get through it. To future YISS students, it’s really hot and humid here. Buy a fan and umbrella. You’ll need it. Thank you to the YISS Office, our professors, my roommate, and everyone else who made this summer possible! Congratulations everyone, and good luck! August 6, 2025 Jack Yang New York University
- 국제하계대학 2025.08.13
-
8
- Not Just Summer School — A Summer That Shaped Me too - National University of Singapore
- One of the things I deeply appreciated about Yonsei International Summer School (YISS) was the incredibly welcoming and inclusive environment it created for students from all backgrounds. From the moment I arrived, I felt immersed not just in Korean culture, but in a global community of students from around the world. This cultural diversity made the experience all the more enriching, as it allowed me to connect with and learn from so many unique perspectives. Academically, my time at YISS was equally rewarding. I had the privilege of taking Professor Sahrok Kim’s Strategic Management class (IEE3293), which I highly recommend. We explored case studies on local conglomerates like Coupang, as well as international brands, but what stood out most was how Professor Kim encouraged us to reflect on ourselves - not just as students, but as future leaders with our own goals and aspirations. That thoughtful balance between rigorous academic challenge and personal insight made it one of the most impactful classes I’ve ever taken. Beyond the classroom, I was inspired by the talent, creativity, and warmth of my peers. I formed meaningful friendships with students and connected with professors who made my summer unforgettable. As my final undergraduate exchange experience, YISS gave me memories, friendships, and lessons that I’ll carry with me for a lifetime. -Grace Mak, National University of Singapore
- 국제하계대학 2025.04.10
-
7
- Tessa Aguilar - University of California, Los Angeles
- "The extracurriculars were a great way for me to get immersed in the culture and also learn more about Korean culture."
- 국제하계대학 2024.09.26
-
6
- Miguel Aguilera – Metropolitan state university of Denver
- "I just fell in love with the whole idea of studying in Korea, being submerged into Seoul."
- 국제하계대학 2024.09.26
-
5
- Marcella Valente – University of St Andrews
- "Learning Korean while here was definitely helpful. I've learned so much more than I thought I would."
- 국제하계대학 2024.09.26
-
4
- My Unforgettable Experience at YISS - Jerry Chen, University of California, Los Angeles
- One of the things I truly appreciated about YISS was the incredibly welcoming environment it fostered for people of all backgrounds. From the moment I arrived, I felt fully immersed, not only with native Koreans but also with students from all over the world. This cultural diversity made my time at YISS even more enriching, as I was able to learn from and connect with so many different perspectives. YISS also ensured that my experience in Korea was both comfortable and safe, providing incredible resources and support throughout my stay. In addition to the academic benefits, I had the privilege of meeting many talented and inspiring students in my classes. Their intelligence, creativity, and kindness left a lasting impression on me. Beyond the classroom, I formed meaningful connections with my professors and staff members, creating memories that I know I will cherish for a lifetime. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and relationships I gained during my time at YISS, and for how the program helped shape my experience in Korea. -Jerry Chen, University of California, Los Angeles
- 국제하계대학 2024.09.26
-
3
- How YISS Transformed My Understanding of South Korea -Hussain Cochinwala, University of Alberta
- I walked into YISS admittedly not knowing much about Korean culture. But through the various school trips, interactions with students from multicultural backgrounds and witnessing Korean culture first hand, I now have a much better idea of the complexities and richness of life in South Korea! Being able to learn at Yonsei University was an amazing experience due to the vibrant campus and supportive teachers that made my learning experience so much better. Thanks to YISS I was able to make lifelong friends that I'm sure I will talk to long after the program is over. I was also able to make cherished memories that I would otherwise not have on a solo trip. -Hussain Cochinwala, University of Alberta
- 국제하계대학 2024.09.26
-
2
- My time at YISS ’24 -Damien Wan, The University of Western Australia
- My time at YISS ’24 will be an unforgettable memory. Attending Yonsei Summer allowed me to engage with students from diverse backgrounds and learning from other cultures. Staying at the student dormitory (I-house) was a unique experience as I’ve never done so before. The courses were taught by professors who were engaging and offered valuable insight. Group projects and collaborations was quite common in the syllabus which allowed more peer-interactions which I appreciated. Outside the classroom, YISS provided a vibrant and engaging environment. I had the opportunity to explore Seoul in the City Tour, as well as Lotte World. The Teacher Assistants under YISS’ were all approachable and friendly which added to this experience. -Damien Wan, The University of Western Australia
- 국제하계대학 2024.09.26