Introduction

      Unlike the past three years, the first semester of this year is a complete face-to-face. We can take off our masks, talk to each other and enjoy various events like we did before Covid-19 began. Pre-university and campus touring events inform freshmen of the overall university life and provide useful tips. Also, the department meetings before the entrance and beginning of a semester party, OT(Orientation), and MT(Membership Training) promote friendship between seniors and juniors. In this Global Life, we will share the thoughts and expectations foreign students have about new semester events that will be held in the post Covid-19 era.  

 

<Karandakay/ America/ Business and Economics> 

<Lisa/ France/ Business Administration> 

<Anissa/ France/ Business Administration> 

 

  1. Have you ever participated in new semester events such as campus touring, beginning a semester party, OT, and MT?  

Karandakay: I participated in the campus tour and the orientation in the fall of 2022. 

Lisa, Anissa: We did orientation and campus touring organized by Konkuk International student Volunteer (ISV) in September. And we did not go to the beginning of a semester party, but we went to the farewell party at the end of the last year with the ISV. 

 

  1. What do you expect from Korean students through the new semester events?

Karandakay: I hope the Korean students will be more open to welcoming us foreigners and not be shy when speaking English. Most foreigners are excited to be part of the Korean culture and want to learn more about how different their culture is from ours. It is better to do this when we are with  Korean students. 

 

  1. What events are you looking forward to at this school except for the new semester events?

Karandakay: I'm excited about the school festival this year. I think it would be so much fun to hang out with friends and watch artists perform. Also, get some good food. I am also excited to see what field trips would be offered for international students, and get the chance to see more of the Korean culture through either museum tours or even temple stays.

  1. Are there such new semester events in your country? What are the differences between those events and the events in Korea?

Karandakay: In America, each university is different from one another but compared to my university, we do have club festivals for all different kinds of clubs to part take in. We also do campus tours for both our international students and new students coming in before classes begin. One thing we do not have is concerts and festivals that show off famous artists. We do put on band concerts and choir concerts for music. Overall I enjoy my experiences at Konkuk university, the friendships it brought, the festivals and meet up, and overall the friendly energy. It has been an amazing year to spend here. 

   

Lisa, Anissa: There is. For example, there are events like scholars related to school. They explain how the year is going to be and provide direction. And then we have time to meet personnel like friends. And the difference is that we do it outside. At the welcoming party, only 80 students could come because of the limited space. But in our school, we just did it outside so everyone could come. We could hang out with about 200 students in a park and drink, do some games. I would say Korea’s new semester events are more chill and less party, definitely more about the school. 

 

  1. Do you have any memorable experiences related to the new semester events? 

Lisa, Anissa: During the orientation day, we had a discourse with KU professors or things like that. And there were photographers, and they focused on a ginger haired girl. Almost six photographers were all focusing on her. Maybe they were surprised by her hair color because it is not something you can see in Korea. 

 

  1. Do you think the new semester events helped your university life? 

Lisa, Anissa: I think it was helpful because you can make friends so you can stay with them for the rest of the semester.

 

  1. Is there anything you would like to change or add to the new semester events? 

Lisa: The meal of the orientation day with ISV. Honestly, they must change the restaurant. We went to a Korean restaurant, and they made us some soup, but it was too spicy for me. 

Anissa: I did not eat a lot too. 

Lisa: For foreigners, especially at the beginning of the semester, when they do not know what they like, maybe it is better that something more universal food will be given like bibimbap or cutlets.

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