Humans of Yonsei

[Student Interview] From K-Culture to Global Citizenship: A Journey of Discovery at Yonsei University March 12, 2024

Underwood International College(UIC) International Studies (IS) Student Zaida from Jamaica

Name: Zaida Drummond
Nationality: Jamaica
College: Underwood International College (UIC)
Major: International Studies (IS) (entering class of ’21)

It was through Ryan Higa, a YouTuber, that I got to know Korean pop culture. I remember back in 2016, I was completely absorbed in K-Culture, watching K-Dramas, attempting to learn Korean, and keeping up with the K-pop scene. After a while, I came to the realization that I was restricting my understanding of Korea to the country's popular culture, and I began to learn more about other aspects of the country, such as its food and education system.

Entering high school, I aspired to study abroad to broaden my horizons and experience life abroad. Even though attending a university in the US was a possibility, I really pushed myself to apply to universities in South Korea in the off chance that I would get accepted. I was aware of the SKY universities (Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University) among the numerous universities in South Korea. When I viewed YouTube videos on student life on campus and various school events like AKARAKA, which raises student morale, I could sense a sense of community, which made me desire to attend Yonsei University. Because of the Underwood International College, which strongly encourages the development of international ideas and global leaders, Yonsei University was also a favored pick.

My first year in South Korea was mostly devoted to settling into the country and its culture. Being a foreigner living alone, you soon learn that many factors must be taken into account to integrate into society both physically and psychologically. These include official documentation and the ability to adjust and be open to new experiences. Nonetheless, I believe that I was able to overcome such obstacles due to the amazing support system that my college friends have provided for me. They were ready to assist me when I needed it, and because I knew I would not be left on my own in difficult times, I never felt lost or alone. Having similar experiences as international students, we were able to support one another in times of need.

The classes at UIC really push students to be active learners and to voice our opinions. We are encouraged to take and interpret information from the lecture and apply it to real-life problems. I really enjoy the interactive class settings where I can converse with my professors and classmates, hearing others’ opinions and coming to a collective conclusion about the topic at hand. The group projects are similar in that nature as well, where we all work towards a common goal that incorporates everyone’s ideas.

Additionally, my time as a Video Producer on the Contents Team at The Yonsei Annals provided me with a lot of enjoyable memories during my time at college. I had the opportunity to collaborate with others who were enthusiastic about making videos and it was a joy witnessing the realization of my own works. In fact, it was my exposure to The Yonsei Annals that has stoked my interest in journalism and television. In addition to having plans to pursue a master’s degree in mass communication or journalism in the US, my ultimate goal is to work for a news organization or broadcast network like CNN or BBC.

As my last year at Yonsei University draws near, I can say that I have grown to be a more globally aware individual because of the professors and students I have had the opportunity to engage with. They have helped me to understand how diverse and large the world is, with people from all backgrounds and viewpoints. Being surrounded by people from different countries has helped me grow personally and has changed the way I think. Yonsei University has completely changed my life by demonstrating to me that there are an endless number of different options available to me and that I shouldn't confine my potential to one area of the globe since there is so much more to discover.

Interview by student reporter Jo Beomsu

* Yonsei University's Underwood International College (UIC) is a highly selective, English-language, four-year liberal arts institution, which combines the intimate, elite learning environment of an American-style liberal arts college with the faculty and resources of Korea's top private research university. UIC students choose from an extensive list of classes conducted entirely in English and taught by a distinguished group of international and Korean scholars. With a student body drawn from around the world, UIC focuses on ensuring that its outstanding students have the intellectual foundation to become exceptional leaders capable of changing the world for the better.

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