- Bridging Cultures: Event Highlights from August to October 2023 for Yonsei International Students November 01, 2023
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2023 Fall Orientation, Cultural Experience, Welcome Party and the Korean Language Writing Contest Hosted Successfully
August through October was a dynamic period at our university as we hosted a series of diverse events and cultural experiences, catering to our international students. These three months were filled with activities that celebrated cultural diversity and created opportunities for meaningful cross-cultural interactions. From the '2023 Fall Semester Orientation for SAY Students' at the end of August to the 'Chuseok Cultural Experience,' 'Welcome Party,' and the '29th Annual Korean Language Writing Contest for Foreign Nationals' in September and October, it was a season of vibrant engagement and celebration.
August - SAY Students' Exciting Kickoff
August 30th marked the commencement of the '2023 Fall Semester Orientation for SAY(Study At Yonsei) Students,' hosted by our university's Office of International Affairs (OIA), offering a warm welcome to students embarking on their study abroad journey at Yonsei. The orientation covered crucial information, such as academic schedules, grading policies, library resources, and essential immigration details, ensuring a smooth transition for international students. Additionally, various student clubs and organizations, like 'Yonsei Global,' 'Mentors Club,' and 'International Yonsei Community,' offered their support for an enriching and exciting campus life. OIA is committed to ensuring a smooth and productive study abroad experience for all students.
Students who participated in the 2023 Fall Semester Orientation for SAY Students and Yonsei EaglesSeptember - Embracing Degree Students and Exploring Chuseok
During the 'Fall 2023 Welcome Party for Full-Degree International Students' on September 20, 2023, organized by our university's Global One-Stop Service Center (GOSC), Office of International Affairs, attendees had the opportunity to commence their Yonsei journey with an engaging program held at the Commons Global Lounge and JaKeLah Hall on our Sinchon Campus.
The event opened with a friendly greeting and an introduction by GOSC, establishing a welcoming atmosphere for the day. The highlight of the event included a comprehensive session on immigration-related matters, covering topics such as foreigner registration, stay extensions, and part-time employment guidelines, equipping students with essential information.
Students were also introduced to the wealth of library resources and programs available on campus, empowering them to make the most of their academic experience. Additionally, a valuable crime prevention education segment underscored the importance of safety and well-being throughout their Yonsei journey.
Furthermore, the event facilitated connections by introducing students to various national foreign student associations and supporters, fostering a sense of community among international students. The 'Campus Life Tips' session provided invaluable insights into life in Seoul and Yonsei.
To conclude the event on a high note, a lucky draw and a networking session allowed students to connect with peers by nationality. This event was thoughtfully designed to ensure a seamless transition and a rewarding experience for international students at Yonsei University.
On September 22, 2023, following the success of the 'Fall 2023 Welcome Party for Full-Degree International Students,' our university's Global One-Stop Service Center (GOSC) hosted an engaging event for the Fall 2023 Cultural Experience Program. This event was designed to acquaint undergraduate international students with the significance of Chuseok, one of Korea's major holidays. During the event, students engaged in various activities that offered them a deep dive into traditional Korean culture.
The day commenced with an introduction to Chuseok, helping our international students grasp the essence of this important holiday. A highlight of the event was the opportunity for students to experience wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, and learn the proper way to perform a full bow, known as "세배." This cultural practice holds great significance in Korean culture and is a wonderful way to share our customs with international students.
Moreover, the event featured a delectable spread of traditional Chuseok foods, including the visually appealing Songpyeon (rice cakes), mouthwatering traditional snacks, and the sweet and refreshing Sikhye (sweet rice drink). These treats not only delighted the senses but also offered international students a taste of Korea's rich culinary heritage, making them exceptionally popular among attendees.
After savoring traditional Chuseok delicacies, the students enjoyed engaging in various traditional Korean folk games. Activities like Yutnori (a board game), Tuho (an arrow-throwing game), and Jegichagi (a shuttlecock game) provided moments of laughter, bonding, and memorable experiences for all participants.
This event aimed to create a meaningful cultural exchange and enhance international students' understanding of Korean traditions, offering them a fun and immersive Chuseok holiday experience they would remember.
October - A Grand Return and Unveiling Literary Talents
Our university's Korean Language Institute(Director Seo Hong Won), after a four-year hiatus, proudly hosted the '29th Annual Korean Language Writing Contest for Foreign Nationals' on October 5th, 2023. This remarkable event drew more than 1,200 participants from 63 countries, including international students, foreign workers, and expatriates. The contest serves the noble purpose of commemorating Hangeul Day, enlightening foreigners learning the Korean language and overseas compatriots about the significance of Hangeul's creation, and promoting the excellence of Hangeul worldwide.
The contest has a long-standing history, beginning in 1992 and continuing for over three decades. Over the years, it has attracted more than 39,000 participants from over 100 countries and their overseas compatriots. The significance of this year's contest lies in its remarkable return after a four-year hiatus due to the challenges posed by the spread of COVID-19, which makes this event a testament to the enduring global appeal of Hangeul.
The awards ceremony for the '29th Annual Korean Language Writing Contest for Foreign Nationals' was held on October 25th, 2023, at 2 PM in the Korean Language Institute's main auditorium. The participants, under the themes 'One Day' (poetry) and 'Street' (essay), exhibited their creativity, expressing their thoughts and emotions through imaginative writing.
This year, the Grand Prize in the essay category was awarded to Ms. To Huyen My from Vietnam, who provided a profound perspective on the passage of time, transitioning from summer to autumn in her work, akin to the flow of a stream. Her literary abilities and philosophical insights resonated with the judges, leading to her selection as the Grand Prize winner. She was presented with the Yonsei University President's Award, along with a trophy and a cash prize of one million Korean Won.
Ms. To Huyen My, the recipient of the Grand Prize in the essay category, at the awards ceremony(Photo credit: Korean Language Institute)Furthermore, 61 recipients were acknowledged in various categories, including the Sejong Korean Language and Culture Institute President's Award, The Sejong Foundation Chairman's Award, the Oesol Society Chairman's Award, as well as the Multicultural Harmony Award, Amorepacific Award, Yongwoon Hangeul Award, Korea-Japan Exchange Award, Handwriting Star Award, and Arita Typeface Award, among others.
The awards ceremony celebrated the contest's rich tradition and the outstanding literary achievements of its participants, marking another significant chapter in the annual competition's storied history.On the other hand, the 'Korean Language Writing Contest for Foreign Nationals' is made possible through sponsorships from organizations with a keen interest in fostering the Korean language and international exchanges in Korea. These esteemed sponsors include ▲ Kyobo Book Centre Corporation ▲ Amorepacific Corporation ▲ Yongwoon Scholarship Foundation ▲ Lee Heegeon Korea-Japan Exchange Foundation ▲ Sejong Korean Language and Culture Institute ▲ Sejong Foundation ▲ Oesol Society, among others.
A group photo taken at the awards ceremony(Photo credit: Korean Language Institute) -
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