First-Year International Students Experience the Winter Holidays for the First Time at Yonsei University

Seasonal changes are well upon us at Songdo International Campus of Yonsei University. Trees have begun to shed their leaves, coating the ground with a mosaic of color, being swept up by the wind and carried across the stone paths of the university campus. Students have ditched their athletic wear and instead opted for long pants and padded jackets as the weather cools off, a telling sign of the coming winter break.

When speaking directly with Yonsei students about the upcoming break, the shift in weather conditions was the first thing they noted. “I live in London, so I am used to the cold,” says Saira Patel, an international student from the class of 20.5. “But Korea's winter temperatures were definitely something I was not exactly ready for, especially after an incredibly warm semester.”

The student body is abuzz with discussions of where they will travel for winter break, which spans just over two months. For many international students, this means a long-awaited trip home where they will reunite with their families. Every student will be given some well-deserved time off upon completing their final exams, set to take place in the second and third weeks of December. Dorm hallways and common spaces are decorated with Christmas trees, and RC events include holiday talks where students can share seasonal treats and discuss their upcoming plans.

Despite the cheery atmosphere, the change of seasons also denotes the beginning of finals preparation. Students are spending extended hours in common spaces such as the Underwood Memorial Library and study rooms in hopes of becoming the best prepared versions of themselves for their exams.

Ashleigh Chang, a freshman international student majoring in Life Science and Biotechnology, spoke on the examination stress. “It is certainly an exciting time of year because we are so close to winter holidays, but I am feeling the pressure to perform well in my last few weeks of classes. I try not to let it get to me too much, especially with the prospect of coming home on the horizon, but I do want to perform well.”

Exam season presents a very stressful close to the semester, but the holiday cheer is more than inspiring for students that anxiously await the anticipated break. International and Korean students alike are preparing for the holiday events that will take place, intending on celebrating with the utmost gaiety. Korean students are leaving the dorms to return home for the first time in months, as are some international students. Family time is much appreciated after a strenuous semester and finals season.

International students who are not going home are also looking forward to spending the day in the company of their classmates who will remain on campus — killing time by going out for dinners together or simply spending time outdoors. Dominic Phillips, a first-year international student who opted to stay for the winter break at the Songdo dormitory, had this to say about his stay on campus during Christmas. “I spent the day with friends going around places in Seoul like Myeongdong and Gwanghwamun looking for cool Christmas decorations. It was really cold, but despite that, I had a good time.”

He adds, “So far winter at Yonsei has been somewhat lonely with most people leaving the dorms to go back to their home countries or stay with their family here. But I’m doing my best to keep myself busy. For instance, I will be starting my part-time job teaching English next month.” It seems staying busy is a great way to mitigate feelings of loneliness during this period, and connecting with those who remain on campus helps tremendously.

Whether students are celebrating Christmas at home in Korea, away from home, or at their home abroad, one thing is for sure — this is a time to be reunited with family and friends, wherever that may be. While we await the beginning of another new year to come once again, let us enjoy the holiday spirit that brings joy and comfort to our campus.