Humans of Yonsei

[Student Interview] Enjoy Every Moment and Embrace Challenges as Opportunities December 23, 2024

Underwood International College CDM & AI Concentration Student Celeste from People’s Republic of China

Name: Yuan Jingya (Celeste)
Nationality: People’s Republic of China
College: Underwood International College (UIC)
Major: Culture and Design Management CDM & AI Concentration (entering class of 21.5)

I studied in Canada for high school, and when it came time for university applications, my parents wanted me to return to Asia due to COVID-19. One of my academic advisors, who was Korean, suggested applying to English-taught programs in Korea since some students had successfully transitioned there. Studying in Korea seemed like a viable option, and among my offers, Yonsei stood out. Along with Yonsei's global reputation and competitive ranking, the fact that my favorite TV producer, Na Young-Seok, is an alumnus of Yonsei influenced my choice.

Among the majors, CDM perfectly aligned with my interests. As described in the CDM promotion brochure, it offers an innovative curriculum blending theory, technology, and hands-on workshops, while also providing rich opportunities such as collaborations with Design Factory Korea to tackle real-world problems. These experiences often bridge the gap between theories taught in class and their practical applications in real life.

Arriving in Korea for the first time was both touching and overwhelming. Navigating COVID-19 restrictions—back when one had to submit a COVID test result to the government within 24 hours of arrival—with limited proficiency in Korean and the help of a translation app was a huge challenge. However, the warmth of strangers saved me. A kind elderly lady escorted me to a police station when I got lost, and it was the police officers who helped me locate an available COVID test center. Though I typed slowly and relied heavily on online translation tools for communication, everyone was patient and kind.

Despite having studied abroad from a young age—and thus being relatively accustomed to fighting homesickness and understanding the unspoken social norms of foreign countries—adapting to daily life in Korea came with its own challenges. Opening a bank account and understanding recycling rules were the two greatest hurdles, but I managed to navigate these issues over time. When faced with such challenges, don’t hesitate to ask for help or do thorough research. It’s important to embrace such tasks as opportunities to learn and try to enjoy every little moment. You can also seek help from multilingual service centers and peers if needed. Additionally, Yonsei’s resources, such as the Global One-Stop Center, proved invaluable for resolving visa or ARC-related issues.

The diverse range of activities in Korea is another reason I love living here. Recently, I’ve enjoyed gallery nights across Seoul hosted by various galleries during Frieze Week and Kiaf Seoul, as well as visiting open libraries near City Hall and the statue of King Sejong. At Yonsei, I previously worked as a photographer for SAM and now serve as the PR Manager for the NGO PSCORE’s Yonsei branch. We recently organized a visit to Hanawon (The Settlement Support Center for North Korean Refugees). Just this afternoon, I passed by GOSC and saw a Vietnamese cultural event where I got to try Vietnamese snacks. Last Sunday, I participated in the UIC Alumni Fair and gained valuable insights into my future career path.

Reflecting on my time at Yonsei, my most remarkable memories are the daily interactions and support I’ve received from professors, friends, and staff. Participating in the LearnUs Global Semester, which combined online and on-site learning in Korea and Japan, was also a highlight. I met many friends and learned a great deal about international relations and Asian studies.

Looking ahead, I don’t have a clear path yet, but I’ve embraced that uncertainty. For now, I’m focusing on the present—learning, growing, and enjoying the journey. My ultimate goal in life is to be happier, but my immediate goal for tomorrow is to attend the club field trip and upload content to the club's social media platforms. While I strive for a peaceful life, I sometimes worry that a repetitive job might become dull. At the same time, I dream of settling down in one country, yet I feel a constant urge to travel and live in the cities I visit, immersing myself in local life. Balancing these desires is challenging, and I am still on my journey to find the answers.

Bonus: Celeste’s Essential Tips for International Students
1. Regularly check announcement boards (UIC, Office of International Affairs, various Yonsei Instagram accounts) and career development sites (Yonsei Career or UIC Career Development) to stay updated and avoid missing opportunities.
2. Learning Korean will definitely make your life here easier and more enjoyable.
3. Go out and explore the city—museums, parks, mountains, restaurants. There are many interesting events hosted by the government, such as outdoor libraries and palace night tours. Seoul is such a vibrant and fun city to live in. (For Songdo students, I’d say visit Seoul more often, but Incheon also has some nice beaches and parks!)
4. Travel as much as possible when you have time—especially for those who’ve come from far away. Explore and experience other Asian countries while you’re here.
5. Signing up for Olive Young membership is easy and comes with a lot of benefits.
6. Be cautious with Homeplus discounts, as some are only applicable when paying with cards from certain banks.
7. Buying fruits from markets or Coupang is much cheaper than from supermarkets or convenience stores.

Interview by student reporter Jo Beomsu

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