UIC Newsletter

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FOCUS

2016 Fall Semester Freshman Orientation

The First Step for Freshmen,  a Giant Leap for their Dreams

The 2016 Fall Semester Freshman Orientation for Korean residents abroad, and international students, otherwise known as the Pre-College Program, was held on Yonsei International Campus from August 22 to August 25. The Pre-College Program was jointly planned and coordinated by UIC, Global Leadership Division and College University. The program was significant, as it provided necessary customized information to students on the content that required special characteristics of each of the Universities.

The first schedule of Pre-College Program on the first day started out with a speech by Jai Yong Lee, the Vice President of Yonsei University. The main highlight of the program was exploring the Songdo area where Yonsei International Campus is located. Visiting the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ), walking through Central Park and taking a Songdo Water Taxi enabled students to understand and familiarize themselves with Songdo, including its geographical features and history.

The UIC Pre-College Program began with the second day, and focused specifically on information about UIC. 38 of the total 50 UIC fall semester freshmen participated in the event. After a special lecture by UIC Professor Paul Tonks, the students divided into three groups and followed their academic advisors to listen to various lectures about the curriculum, study tips in college, available resources, and also received a tour of the campus library.  

On the last day of the program, students successfully finished the course registration with the help of Residential Assistants (RA). This was then followed by sessions on creating a blueprint for academic studies and understanding college-life and different cultures. One of the academic advisors leading Pre-College Program of UIC, Sol-A Yu, introduced two perspectives on multi cultures, a melting-pot and a salad-bowl. She emphasized that in the contemporary society, there is a need for a new perspective that goes beyond the salad bowl. In other words, the synergy effect of maintaining their unique cultural identities while respecting others’ cultures can create something new. In order for this to be realized, she suggested interest, respect and the creative spirit as the key elements.

Students from 15 different countries participated in this semester’s UIC Pre-College Program. One student commented, “It was interesting to learn about Korean culture through trying traditional snacks and playing Korean games” and said “I would like to get to know Korea better, and lead a college life at UIC to make my dreams come true.” Another student noted, “UIC appreciates diversity and I feel like I’m really connected.” By helping students become familiar with the academic system, extra-curricular activities, campus traditions and Korean culture, the orientation successfully facilitated the transition of new students into the UIC community.

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