Yonsei through rain covered glasses

Today was the long-awaited visit to Yonsei University, one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea, with an acceptance rate of just 18%. As one of the top institutions in the country, I had been looking forward to exploring the campus and learning more about the academic environment there. While it was pouring rain the whole time, that didn’t stop us, and our day was full of activities. .Our first stop was the university cafeteria, where I enjoyed a delicious bowl of spicy chicken soup. It was especially comforting after a rainy morning and served as a warm welcome to the campus. After lunch, we began a guided tour of the university grounds. I was impressed by the combination of lush greenery and striking architecture. While some buildings maintained a historic charm, most of the campus featured sleek, modern structures that were both beautiful and functional. We later toured the engineering and business buildings, which gave us a closer look at student life and academic facilities. One thing I noticed was the abundance of natural light in the business building—something that differs from my experience at the University of Pittsburgh. As you enter, a large bay of windows reveals a serene view of trees and gardens, creating an inviting atmosphere for studying and collaboration. Students seemed to take advantage of every space available, working diligently throughout the building. The highlight of the day was visiting the biotechnology laboratory. Although the research wasn’t related to my major, it was fascinating to learn that they are studying Alzheimer’s disease using mouse models. Seeing such advanced research happening firsthand was eye-opening. Overall, the visit was an incredible opportunity to compare college life in Korea to that in the United States. I noticed that the food was better, and students tended to keep to themselves more. Experiencing a different educational culture firsthand was both enriching and inspiring.

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