Q1. Please introduce yourself.
Hi, my name is Yan Yusef. I am 20 years old and currently in my second year of university. I am from Uppsala University in Sweden, where I am majoring in Peace and Development Studies. During my exchange semester here at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), I have been studying at the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy. Outside of my studies, I am an outgoing person who enjoys spending time with friends, venturing outdoors, and playing chess.
Q2. Why did you choose Korea and SKKU?
Before coming to SKKU, I had never been to Asia and had no personal connections with Korea. However, when looking into potential universities for my exchange program, I decided to challenge myself by choosing a location as far from Sweden as possible. Specifically, I chose SKKU because of its strong academic reputation and positive reviews from friends who had studied here. Initially, I was unsure how it would feel to travel so far from home alone for the first time, but I took the leap. Now, I can definitely say that it has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life.
Q3. How is your life at SKKU?
I could not enjoy it more! Academically, I really enjoy the lectures, but what I appreciate even more than the content itself is the professors who teach them. Also, I have learned a lot from interacting with Korean students in some of my classes; their passion for their studies is truly inspiring. My class schedule runs from Monday to Wednesday, so I also have plenty of time to pursue other interests and make the most out of my exchange program.
Q4. What message would you like to share with future exchange students?
I have always dreamed of working in an international setting and collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds. Before coming here, most of my studies focused on Europe, but SKKU has given me the chance to explore Asia both academically and personally. Learning from Korean professors and experiencing Korean culture firsthand reinforced my desire for a global career. As such, I strongly encourage anyone considering an exchange program to just go for it, especially to a destination far from home. It will surely be a life-changing experience, and who knows? It might even be the best four months of your life!