In-Person Class at Yonsei!

While many schools in the US have transitioned back into in-person learning, the university experience at Yonsei still remains largely online (as of Spring semester 2022). Some universities in Seoul, like Yonsei’s rival Korea University, have returned back to in-person learning and school events but schools in the Sinchon area (Yonsei, Ewha, Sogang) seem like they will be mostly online for the rest of the semester. 

However, I was lucky enough to enroll in one of the few hybrid classes that Yonsei is offering to exchange students this semeseter - Regional Economics. Since I had to take many major courses during my time abroad, I mostly signed up for classes in Yonsei’s Economics department, meaning the majority of my classmates are actual Yonsei students. A lot of Yonsei study abroad students opt to take courses dedicated to exchange students (these courses start with the course code IEE in the course catalog), most of which are completely online. 

My hybrid Regional Economics course has a good distribution of students, where about half of us are international or exchange, and the other half are Koreans. The class is located in Daewoo Hall (Yonsei’s Economics building), which is about 10 minutes away from SK Global House. Since the building is located at the top of a hill, the walk to class is almost like a mini-hike, but Yonsei’s campus is beautiful so the walk is always pleasant. Additionally, the class is only in person on Tuesdays, so I’m only required to go to campus once a week. 

The class itself is pretty similar to standard courses in the states. I think the biggest difference is the mix of languages during class. While the teacher requires everyone to speak in English most of the time, he sometimes talks to students in Korean to ensure that everyone is following along. Something really impressive about Yonsei students is that they have to take classes in both English and Korean! It’s hard enough to take college courses in your first language, let alone your second or third language… 

One more difference between Korean and American college students is clothing. While it wouldn’t be surprising to see someone come to class in pajamas back in the states, most Korean students walk into class as if they are entering an important business meeting. 

Although there aren’t that many opportunities for collaboration or interaction with other students inside the classroom, I’ve really enjoyed having in-person classes as it’s given me a better look at what normal Korean university life is like. My in-person class has played a big role in allowing me to feel like I’m getting a more authentic study abroad experience, amidst the pandemic.