In recent years the number of international students in Seoul National University (SNU) has increased dramatically. Yet there is a dearth of information available that describes what it is like to study in SNU. This series of interviews focuses on foreign engineering students who provide information on life for foreign students in SNU.
On a chilly Tuesday evening, Jaramier sits in the quiet café drinking a blended yogurt smoothie. “I don't drink coffee,” he explains. It is a rare statement coming from a student from a department known for its rigorous and time-consuming workload. All-nighters must be frequent. But perhaps his drink choice is a reflection of his personality and an insight to his methods of tackling challenges in university life.
Thank you for meeting with me today. Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Jaramier Cobrada Joibi. I came from Malaysia and I am currently a fourth year student in the Department of Industrial Engineering.
What led you to come to Korea, and SNU specifically?
Back in Malaysia we have to take a national exam after finishing high school. With the results I obtained from the exam I applied for a scholarship that being provided by the Malaysian government to study abroad. I obtained the scholarship and was given various options to pursue my undergraduate degree. To be honest I wasn’t really interested in engineering at first. But I chose Seoul National University because it is known as the best university in Korea.
You are now a fourth year student here. How have you found your time at SNU so far?
It has been okay. I have no regrets during my entire four years here. All the choices I have made before have made me into who I am today. Overall it has been pleasant.
Were you always this positive while studying here? What challenges did you face?
To be honest, yes. Even with all the challenges put forth, I was positive. When I first came here, because I didn’t know how Korea’s education system was and how SNU’s Department of Engineering’s system worked, it was difficult. When I entered SNU I wanted to apply to the Department of Industrial Engineering. But it turns out I entered as “general engineering”. According to this system, your grades after first year determine which department you can go into. I didn't know about this, so I wasn’t sure whether I would actually get in. I didn’t have any general information about how this system works, and only afterwards did I know. Also, I did not know that the major I wanted, industrial engineering, is one of the most sought after in the department.
Despite all this, you succeeded! How was that process like?
It was very nerve wrecking. I wasn’t as negative as a lot of people would imagine. I wrote letters to the administrators and the dean, and inquired a lot with the administration of the College of Engineering. I had to write letters both in Korean and in English. But thank goodness. The administration discussed the issue and they accepted my letters and proposition. Finally I got to the department I wanted: industrial engineering. I think my case was a very “out of the blue” case.
Were there any challenges in becoming friends with Koreans? What tips can you give to foreign students about making friends in Korea?
It has not been difficult. I made lots of friends here in SNU, even more than back home in Malaysia. At first, because I sensed some animosity when I transferred to the new department, I tried very hard to go out and make friends. In Korea, impressions are important. If you can hold a conversation for more than five minutes, they’re impressed with you. It doesn't matter if you stutter; as long as you show an effort to talk to them they will appreciate the effort. It is all about the effort. If you don’t do anything, you can’t expect anything back. It’s a give and take relationship.
Now I know this is a completely unrelated question. But I am sure many students are curious: the department of engineering is known to have a high level of math. How hard is the math, really?
It depends on the department. In my department we focus more on statistics. For those foreigners who are worried of the math level here, my word of advice is that mathematics is not a study of conceptualizing; it is a study of routing, of memorizing and practicing. So to win against mathematics has a lot to do with practice. Think of math as an enemy and to defeat it you have to practice and think up tactics on how exactly you will defeat it. If you try to understand mathematics, you lose.
You sound like a truly experienced fourth year engineering student. This also means you must be graduating soon! What are you plans for the future?
After I graduate this semester I want to work in Korea in a company that matches me, a company that has a good work-life balance. That is very important but I recognize it’s hard to look for in Korea. I want to work here because the pay is good, especially compared to Malaysia. There are other aspects to worry about. As a foreigner, visa is a big problem. But I look forward to working here for a bit.
Do you have any last advice you would like to give future students?
I encourage students to join student clubs. There are so many interesting clubs to join at SNU. I have joined SHARE, an English-speaking business club. Through SHARE I met many interesting people and was able to see people working in the various industries in Korea. SHARE provided me with an alumni network. I also joined the shooting club on campus. It’s a 40-year-old club and you get to how to shoot and can participate in competitions. That was a lot of fun. If you can’t join a club, make a club. Put an effort to enjoy life at SNU.
Written by OH Jung Eun, SNU English Editor, josefinaoh@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Eli Park Sorensen, SNU Professor of Liberal Studies, eps7257@snu.ac.kr