National Co-op & WIL Week Profile #2: Yishu Meng

March 19 – 23 is National Co-op week and work-integrated learning (WIL) week, and the University of Waterloo is celebrating its students’ co-op and WIL opportunities.

Today we’re proud to present Yishu (Leo) Meng, a second-year mathematical physics student doing a co-op term as a research assistant at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST, Graduate School of Science and Technology Policy) in Daejeon, South Korea.  His main role is to assist professors and graduate students with their projects.  This is Meng’s first work-term.

Q: What has been one of your best co-op experiences?

A: Co-op in Korea, a country I have never been to before, has been an amazing experience. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of new people here and made some friends who I’ve traveled with. I’ve even had the chance to attend the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang and cheered on Team Canada. 

Q: What has been one of your most challenging co-op experiences and how did you overcome it?

A: The most challenging part of my co-op in Korea is definitely culture shock. It is a totally different country where people speak another language and have their own customs/habits. I was so afraid I would get lost on the first day of arriving here. After settling down, I was able to prepare and adjust myself. I downloaded local maps in case I was going somewhere new, learned some useful Korean phrases for simple communication, and most importantly, kept an open mind.

KAIST, Graduate School of Science and Technology Policy Campus in South Korea.

Q: What was it like moving away from home and having to resettle in an unfamiliar place?

A: It is a huge step to live and work in a different country. The first night I arrived at my apartment, I experienced a multitude of emotions. I felt lonely and helpless as no one I knew was around me. But there was always the excitement of being in a new place and discovering something that I wasn’t expecting. I’ve made friends from all over the world with the same hobbies, I’ve explored the neighborhood and found an awesome bakery, and I’ve tried different Korean dishes. It is difficult at first, but in the end, you will appreciate the amazing opportunity.

Q: What has been your best co-op perk or memory?

A: Definitely the freedom on holidays to travel around. While on co-op, I can fully enjoy my weekends and holidays. I spent Lunar New Year in Seoul and PyeongChang for the Winter Olympics. Watching the games live in the stadium is a totally difference experience. I could feel the heat, the enthusiasm and cheers from all over the world.

Q: Anything embarrassing happen while on a work term?

A: The most embarrassing thing that happens to me is that whenever I go to a store or a restaurant, I will be recognized as Korean (I am Chinese though) and others will talk to me in Korean, and most of the time I do not understand a single word.  All I can say in response is: “Sorry, I don’t speak Korean” (awkwardly).

Q: What is the biggest difference between being a student and a co-op?

A: The biggest difference is the change in roles. During co-op, I am an employee of the University. Everything I say and do needs to be proper for a workplace environment, I have to be professional and aware of my behaviour. Sometimes it is uncomfortable for me, but there are rules to follow.

Q: What has your co-op work term taught you about yourself and what you might pursue in your future?

A: The lesson I have learnt from this co-op is that I should always pursue a career that I am passionate about. All my coworkers have shown great interest in solving policy issues involved in science and technology, which has made me think about pursing this path in the future. Advancements in science and technology result in social and political issues awaiting to be investigated and solved.

Q: What will you miss most about your co-op work term?

A: I will probably miss my stay in Korea the most. I got to learn about Korean culture, traveled to several cities, went sightseeing, tasted and fallen in love with Korean food. People here are really kind and I will miss my friends for sure.