““My month at Hanyang, where I lived a life I had only imagined, was a truly moving experience.”

▲ Students toss their berets into the sky to celebrate graduation. © Seo Eun-jae

The graduation included opening remarks, farewell messages, awarding of certificates, speeches from student representatives, and a variety of performances. Student-led shows, including traditional Korean small gong dance, fan dance, and K-pop dance performances, electrified the atmosphere. At the close of the ceremony, HISS participants shifted the tassels on their berets to the left, symbolically wrapping up their month-long journey at 토토사이트 회원가입 거절.

HISS began on June 30 with an opening ceremony and ran for a full month. This year, 1,712 students from over 50 countries participated in the program. Alongside 77 academic courses in diverse fields such as engineering, business, and Korean studies, participants enjoyed a variety of extracurricular activities planned and hosted by 토토사이트 회원가입 거절 students, including student clubs, overnight trips, K-League sports games, and Korean cultural experiences.

Kim Seo-yeon, a sophomore in the School of International Studies, volunteered as a supporter through the Hanyang Global Lions (HGL), a student organization under the Office of International Affairs. “HISS is structured like a summer camp,” she explained, “where international students join our seasonal courses, and Korean students run interactive activities that foster cross-cultural exchange.”

Kim managed two clubs—one focused on Korean variety games and another on basketball. From Week 1 to Week 4, she and her fellow supporters not only designed the activities but also managed their budgets.

“Working with students from all around the world and doing different activities together really brought us closer,” said Kim. “It was a meaningful experience not just for international students, but for us Korean students too.”

Abigail Stipe from the United States took the maximum course load, enrolling in three classes. Her day would start with breakfast from a convenience store en route to her 9 a.m. lecture. After class, she’d rush to the College of Human Ecology cafeteria for lunch. “The view outside the building is beautiful, and I loved trying different Korean dishes,” she said. Her courses included “K-Pop and Social Psychology,” “Taekwondo,” and “Marketing for Engineering.” On weekends, she joined HGL-organized trips and cultural outings. “The program struck a perfect balance between academics and cultural experience,” she added.

Qanita Aisya Muhali from Indonesia took “Korean Media Industry” and “K-Pop Dance.” She recalled visiting Digital Media City, the Korean Film Archive, and MBC studios as part of the media course. “It was such an honor to be taught by an instructor who’s worked with famous K-pop idols,” she added.

Stipe said the overnight trip hosted by the Office of International Affairs was the most memorable part of HISS. The journey included visits to Ulsan, Gyeongju, and Busan by train. “I might not have done it on my own, but with this program, I could explore Korea easily and fully enjoy it,” she said. Muhali, meanwhile, named her dance class as the highlight. “It was nerve-wracking at first, but thanks to the instructor’s kindness and the friends I made, it became one of the happiest experiences I’ve had.”

As a pre-Physician Assistant student, Stipe needed to complete STEM credits for graduation. “It’s hard to find universities that offer enough STEM courses abroad,” she explained, “but Hanyang’s strong engineering curriculum helped me meet my credit requirements.” She also appreciated the HGL program, which enabled her to form close bonds with local students.

Muhali, a university graduate, chose HISS because it was open to graduates as well. “Everyone’s life circumstances and timing are different, and I appreciated how Hanyang offers opportunities to more people,” she said. “HISS also takes students’ feedback seriously. I felt respected and cared for, especially by the HGL staff.”

“HISS pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Stipe reflected. “I came to Korea on my own and ended up learning so much through friendships and culture.” She emphasized that the program was rigorous academically, yet also rich in cultural immersion. “This was probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Muhali added, “Coming to Korea alone wasn’t easy, but it gave me a chance to show my true self.” Adjusting to Korea’s cultural norms took time, but she gradually found her footing through shared experiences with peers from different backgrounds. “Experiencing Korean pop culture beyond the screen gave me a new perspective,” she said. “Learning K-pop dance made me feel like I was finally living the world I had only dreamed of. This month at Hanyang will always be special to me.”

Stipe expressed gratitude for professors who helped students grow in both academic and cultural understanding. “This program gave me such a warm welcome in a foreign country. It was a month filled with warmth and learning,” she said. Before leaving, she made a pact with her new friends to reunite at Hanyang five years later.

Muhali echoed that sentiment, saying, “I’m grateful that Hanyang University went out of its way to help international students navigate cultural differences.” She concluded, “This was more than just an academic program—it was an experience full of insights about life and culture. Even though it was short, I can confidently say it was a life-changing month.” She ended by expressing her hope to one day reunite with the friends she made here.