1. Self-introduction
My name is Jasmine Lattifah De Guzman Ting, a third year undergraduate student at the University of the Philippines Diliman taking up Linguistics Plan C, focusing on the Korean language. My interest in Korean culture began through its media, such as TV shows, dramas, films, and music, which later inspired me to pursue formal academic study of the language and its cultural context.
2. Brief info on the program
The Yonsei International Summer School (YISS) is a four-week program at Yonsei University in Seoul that brings together students from around the world to study and experience Korean culture. The program offers classes taught in English by Yonsei and visiting professors, and balances academics with cultural immersion through organized activities, field trips, and daily life in Korea.
3. How did your daily routines go during the program?
Every morning, I attended class at Yonsei University. I took the beginner Korean class to strengthen my foundation in the language. After lectures, I usually had lunch at the school cafeteria with classmates, trying different Korean dishes each day. In the afternoons, I would often go around Seoul, visiting cultural sites, enjoying local cafés, and exploring neighborhoods like Hongdae, Jongno, and Gangnam. This daily routine of study and exploration made each day fulfilling and exciting.
4. How was the class? What cultural activities did you engage in?
I enrolled in the Korean Beginners class, which was both fun and rewarding. It gave me the chance to practice Korean in a structured way and immediately apply what I learned in daily life, whether ordering food or greeting people. Beyond the classroom, I joined cultural activities that helped me connect with Korea more deeply. These included wearing a hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace and exploring historical neighborhoods like Insadong and Bukchon Hanok Village. Each activity gave me a new perspective on Korean culture and made the experience much more memorable.
5. Your experience meeting Korean profs, international friends, etc.
One of the most meaningful parts of the program was meeting Korean professors and international students from all over the world. Talking with professors gave me insights into Korean academic culture, while bonding with friends from different countries allowed me to experience Korea through many perspectives. We studied together, explored the city, and shared our own culture which made it feel like a true global classroom.
6. What is the most memorable thing about staying in Korea?
The most memorable part of my stay in Korea was trying different kinds of food and engaging in conversations with the locals. From street food like tteokbokki and hotteok to traditional dishes such as samgyetang and bibimbap, every meal felt like a cultural experience. Talking with locals, whether it was practicing simple Korean phrases, asking for recommendations, or sharing small conversations, helped me feel more connected to Korean life and culture. These moments made my experience not just about studying abroad, but about truly living in Korea, even for a short time.
7. Your future plans / motivations now after studying in Korea
Studying in Korea through YISS motivated me to continue improving my Korean. My next goal is to prepare for the TOPIK exam, so that I can challenge myself further and hopefully return to Korea for longer studies in the future. YISS was not just a summer program, it became a turning point that deepened my passion for Korean language and culture.
Published by Jasmine Lattifah De Guzman Ting
