main content Bio of Joseph Bae
Born in : Incheon, South Korea
Has lived in : South Korea, South Africa, USA
High school : Westerford High School in Cape Town, South Africa
Major : Biochemistry
Languages spoken : Fluent in English and Korean. Studied Afrikaans and Xhosa. Currently studying Japanese.
I was born in South Korea, and lived there until I was 9 years old. Then my family moved to Cape Town, South Africa, where my father decided to do his missionary work. After graduating from high school in South Africa, I started attending University of Cape Town (UCT). By this time I was the only one of my family living in South Africa, as my family had moved to the US. After attending a semester, my father suggested applying to a college in the US. After considering this option, I decided to move to the US, where I applied and settled for Lewis & Clark College. I knew it was going to be difficult, adjusting in another country and going through another culture shock. It was a difficult decision to make, but I don’t regret it.
The main difference between UCT and Lewis & Clark College was the size. UCT has about 20,000 students, 100 level classes consisting of 300 to 400 students, and the campus is so big that they give you 15 minutes between each class to get to your next one. Compared to that Lewis & Clark College is a tiny college. However, the small size was one of the factors that attracted me to LC. The small class size meant that there was more interaction between students as well as professors, and now I’m really benefiting from it. Another factor that attracted me to LC was the terrific international student program. From the student orientation, Lewis & Clark College was very welcoming. I really liked how helpful the International Student Office (ISO) was, and how much they cared about international students.
After I graduate, I’d like to attend medical school. I’ve always wanted to become a doctor, and have always been fascinated by medicine. I believe the liberal arts education that Lewis & Clark College offers is preparing me to be a better doctor, with its emphasis on broader education. Lewis & Clark College offers a good Biochemistry program in my opinion, and the professors are fantastic. Not only are they good at their jobs, but they sincerely want you to learn. Lewis & Clark College also offers students research opportunities. I’m currently working in a professor’s research lab, and it’s teaching me a lot about what science is really about.
International Students and Scholars (ISS) is located in Fowler Student Center on the Undergraduate Campus.
MSC: 192
email iso@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7305
fax 503-768-7301
Associate Dean of Students and Director Brian White
International Students and Scholars (ISS)
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road
Portland OR 97219