The International House
Yonsei University has two dormintory for international students, the SK Global House and the International House. The SK Global House is a newly built dormitory right next to International House. It has facilities such as gym and music room which the International House doesn’t have. The biggest difference between the two dormitories is that SK Global House have private bathroom within each room and the International House has public bathroom and shower room on each floor. Of course, the room rate for SK Global House is a little more expensive than International House. However, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better from my experience.
I lived in the International House during my stay, and I really believe it’s better than SK Global House. Here is why. First, it’s cheaper, though only by about $300, you can actually have a trip to Jeju-do with the same amount of money. Why not save it to enhance your experience? Second, living in the International House saves the trouble of cleaning your own bathroom. Every morning, a Korean lady would come to clean the bathroom, shower room and lounge on each floor. Thus, the public area was very clean throughout the week. Finally, the most important, living in the International House brings everyone closer. Unlike SK Global House where there is a large kitchen in the basement, the International House has a lounge on each floor. Students can cook, eat and watch TV in the lounge. Hence, students living on the same floor became very close friends. Even my friend living in the SK Global House was jealous that our floor felt like a big family where we can stay in the lounge and chat for hours.
I have made friends from the Netherlands, Hong Kong, China and U.S. in the International House. My roommate is from Hong Kong, so we always Cantonese, Mandarin and English in our room. In the lounge, I can always find someone to talk to, whether it’s about cooking recipes or life in school, I always feel happy in the dorm.
Hi! I find your experience very helpful, as I am studying abroad at Yonsei this fall! I am super excited, but also very nervous. Can I ask you how the roommates are picked at I-House? I will be staying in I-House! My concern is that English is not my first langauge. I was wondering if they pair roommates up by language, or if it is random? I grew up in China, but I currently attend school in the US. I am nervous that I won’t be able to talk to my roommate in a language that I am more fluent in which is Chinese. Do you know how they pair roommates? Thank you so much, your story was so helpful to read!