Article by James Patrick M. Bonsubre, Entrepreneurship Student
Spending 6 weeks from 30 June to 6 August 2025, at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, for the Yonsei International Summer School (YISS) Program was definitely a breakthrough for my personal growth journey. I arrived with curiosity about the uncertain future and left with clearer goals aligned to my Ikigai—my reason for being.
Living alone in a city where the language and culture were unfamiliar was both thrilling and humbling. I remember my first day in Korea, arriving at Yonsei drenched in sweat, hurriedly brisk walking to the place where I could get my ID, so I could go to my classroom, only to find out later that I didn’t need an ID to enter the classroom. Every day brought new challenges—from navigating the subway during rush hour to conversing with classmates from different institutions all over the world. These moments pushed me outside my comfort zone, and they helped me grow in ways I never expected.
Academically, I studied Business Management and Real World Practice with Professor Kim Sahrok, whose teaching style blended theory with real-world application. He challenged us to think critically and creatively. One of the highlights was presenting my personal business plan to the class—a concept rooted in agribusiness, my major at Ateneo de Davao University. Sharing my vision and plans for the future, I received thoughtful feedback from my classmates, a moment I believe is a validation and connection that we are in this world for a purpose of better change.
Another unforgettable experience was attending a guest lecture led by the team leader of the famous Korea Telecommunications (KT) Company. The discussion on artificial intelligence made me realize how a new age of technology will and is revolutionizing human evolution. I gained insights that made me realize how human ingenuity can make or break the world as a better place. It sparked a fire in me to think more critically about innovation and its role in environmental preservation.
Beyond the classroom, the experiences I formed were just as impactful. Eating ramyeon in the Han River, going home by bus on a rainy night, and cafe-hopping in Itaewon, Hongdae, Seongsu, and Sinchon—these moments reminded me how beautiful it was that I got to experience this in a lifetime.
This journey wasn’t always easy. Homesickness, anxiousness, and language barriers were challenges that became a lifelong lesson. These lessons became a stepping stone towards the person I’m becoming. These taught me resilience, empathy, and embracing the uncertain as an opportunity for growth.
Overall, this journey strengthened me to pursue a better self. It impacted me in ways words cannot fully describe, with countless memories of my youth filled with exploration, purpose, and a heart full of gratitude.
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