Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Cedar]

When I was at Yonsei GSIS a few people admitted to me that they hadn't gotten in immediately, that they had to take a term (or two) as non-degree students to prove that they were capable of the work. I know one guy who was rejected twice and got in the third time. It's not a total cake walk to get in. I supplied excellent references, a very polished essay, etc. If you take the process seriously and you were a good student in your undergraduate it should be fine. If you had a C average and only your plumber will recommend you... well, what do you think? Just cause they don't look at GREs which are expensive and hard to take for the many Chinese and other foreign students who come, (in Korea when I took the GREs to go to my PhD I had to go to two appt.s one for computer based writing, one for PAPER based math/English, the latter exam was only offered twice a year and it was really expensive (in my opinion) doesn't mean it's a joke to get in.

[PRagic]

Yonsei is by far the most recognized name internationally, and the credits transfer without a hitch. I did my MBA there, and then applied to one Ph.D. program in the US. I got in and found that the theory base I got at Yonsei was top notch. The thesis writing experience helped, too.

Like Cedar, my Ph.D. studies (international economics and business) and dissertation concentrated on Korea. I researched Korean firms and FDI; the fact that I did my MBA and lived in Korea was viewed as a plus.

The Korean studies program at Yonsei has sent students on to Ph.D. programs in UK and N. American top tier schools, including ivy. Grads are working at most large Korean firms, international NGOs, financial institutions, or have started up their own successful businesses. Many grads are now professors in Europe, Asia, and N. America. The research and alumni networks are the best in Korea.

For the MA/MBA degree, Yonsei is a tough option to beat. Work your way through, pay cash, study the language, and have a good time of it. Hey, can't beat the neighborhood. I also wouldn't recommend doing the Ph.D. there, but for some with long term plans in Asia and tied to Seoul (for work or personal reasons), why not?

Ok, somebody from the GSIS owes me a beer for all the free PR.