Humans of Yonsei

Yonsei’s Summer Program Shaping a Fresh Perspective on My Future September 06, 2021

Yonsei International Summer School student Geun-woo from University of Washington (U.S.)

Name: Geun-woo Oh

Home University: University of Washington (U.S.)

Major: School of Public Health

"As a Korean-American, it is my first time since I was nine that I came to live in Korea. Despite the pandemic situation and the major difficulties that the pandemic imposes upon us, I do not regret coming to Korea for Yonsei International Summer School at all. It truly broadened my perspective on a lot of things but especially on my future career path.

A lot of experiences that I had in Korea will have an impact on me majorly, but most notably, how Korea as a nation operates its healthcare system. As soon as I came to Korea this summer, I had many opportunities to visit clinics in Seoul. For instance, before entering Yonsei’s dorm, I had to get a chest X-ray and I was able to do it straight away. Back in the States, if I were to see a doctor, I have to book an appointment which will take a week or two. Then, I will need to wait another week to get the result. However, here, I was able to have walk-in appointments which was very interesting.

Also, when I got out of the self-quarantine and visited a clinic, the nurses were able to put my name and passport number, immediately receiving a message that I just got out of the quarantine. How the entire healthcare system is so closely connected to provide the necessary care for each citizen was also very surprising. I have made a list of all these observations so that I could go back home in order to suggest changes for the healthcare system of the States.

Actually, it is not only the general healthcare system that was impressive but also how Yonsei reacted. I made a lot of observations on how Yonsei University and its dorm reacted to the COVID-19 cases within the dorm. I was very well informed on the situation and what to do in the coming days. I was genuinely impressed by Yonsei’s response system as much as I was surprised by the general healthcare system in Korea.

I was originally going to prepare for a med school or receive a Ph.D. in the healthcare system in the States. But I also heard that Yonsei has a medical grad school, and I am having that as one of my options. I actually know a dentist in Seattle as my mentor as I actually worked in the dental industry shortly. He is actually a graduate student of Yonsei’s medical school, and he gave me a lot of advice on coming back to Yonsei for graduate school. So I am definitely looking into that option for my future career path."

Interview by student reporter Chaewan Lee

* Yonsei International Summer School (YISS) is a special program based on a unique blend of Korean and global cultures. Even though 2021 YISS was all online due to pandemic, it offered around 80 courses and over 60 corporate/research internships, with interesting activities such as K-pop dance, caligraphy, and taekwondo class. Also, 'mukbang' and virtual city tour were newly introduced. Students can choose either 6-week or 4-week option. Experience the legendary “Yonsei Spirit” by spending an unforgettable summer in the heart of Seoul, Korea.

You may also check Yonsei's winter program: Winter Abroad at Yonsei (WAY)
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