Korea: Seoul - Korean and East Asian Studies, Yonsei University

Studying abroad in Korea has truly changed my life for the better, and it has opened so many new doors for what and where I want to achieve things in life. Sometimes, I feel like it was all a whimsical fever dream because studying abroad in Korea was like a twinkling fairytale where I got to enjoy my youth to the fullest. Unlike a typical abroad trip to Korea, where you're in full-on tourist mode, studying abroad gives you a whole new perspective because you meet people from all over the world who share similar interests and liven up your life with their different personalities. Together with these like-minded people, this program allows you to explore the wonders of Korea and make memories that are etched in your mind forever. Everyone I met, whether it was local or exchange students like me, gave me courage and happiness to live my best life here in Korea.

Studying abroad in Korea gives you a chance to make memories you'll never want to forget and make you want to continue this magical journey. From the cozy neighboring cities you get to explore to the mouth-watering foods you get to eat, every day studying abroad is an adventure you can't get enough of! South Korea is such a boisterous and wonderful place to visit, filled with convenience, an enchanting culture, and, seriously, the most delicious food ever. During my time abroad, I got to go cafe hopping with friends, fly to Japan, and go to the k-pop concert of my dreams! As a k-pop fan, it was truly a dream come true where I can go to exclusive pop-up events and music shows for comebacks! So, I wholeheartedly encourage everyone and anyone who is even considering studying abroad in South Korea to do it because I guarantee it is the single choice you'll never regret.

Studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea with Yonsei University has been one of the most transformative experiences. In the heart of the city, I was immersed in unparalleled cultural experience with weekends in the iconic Myeongdong district shopping with friends, in Seongsu at the newest pop-up store, at the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace trying on traditional hanbok, in Gangnam at the greatly televised Lotte World amusement park. Not to mention, I greatly splurged on trying the local cuisine, from beautiful dishes and spreads to rows and rows of vibrant street food to the most adorable themed cafes and animal cafes. South Korea has anything and everything you could ever imagine. And if the city becomes too overwhelming, Korea’s excellent and easy to use public transportation can take you to the gorgeous Bukhansan mountains to overlook the cityscape or to the beaches of Busan. This region provides an endless amount and range of adventures to experience with the locals and fellow exchange students you meet through the endless foreigner friendly Yonsei clubs, insightful classes, and Yonsei events. There is never a dull moment when studying abroad, and I would highly recommend it to anyone hoping for an unforgettable and enriching academic and personal growth experience.

During fall 2023 to currently spring 2024, I studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea. It was one of the best decisions I ever made in terms of self-growth. Coming from a small town with little cultural diversity, Seoul helped me to broaden my perspective and teach me more about being independent. I learned to navigate cost differences, transportation, cultural and linguistical differences, as well as tackling challenging coursework at Yonsei University. Learning the language and meeting new people led me to take more opportunities to expand on my hobbies and interests. I joined multiple clubs at Yonsei and took group trips to places like Ansan Mountain and Namsan Tower in Seoul and other cities such as Daegu and Jeonju. Before coming to Korea, I was intimidated by being a student living alone in a foreign country, however, my university and program helped me to adjust and feel welcome. From my experience, not only did my language acquisition improve as well as my communication and social skills, but I also learned more about being open-minded and compassionate to everyone I meet. I am very grateful to have had a year in. South Korea to fully immerse myself in the culture and environment and I plan to use these skills as I further my education back in the United States.

This was my first time traveling internationally. I've always wanted to study abroad in Korea and go to a Korean school to challenge myself in their studious ways. I took a Korean Language Beginner's course which was challenging at first, but now that I see Korean words I catch myself being able to read it which is very exciting for me. I think one thing I found challenging was mainly housing. Where I lived during my study abroad for Winterim they had construction going on which limited spots for students and many had to rent out airbnb's. I think that if they were to provide enough housing it would make my experience even better, but overall I had the best time in Korea. Right under my dorm has a 24/7 convenient store which was really beneficial to me because they had laundry detergent, toiletries, and many foods/snacks to choose from! Yonsei is also near surrounding cities that are very popular such as Hongdae and Myeongdong which made it easy to get to and have fun!

Being in a completely different country with a language barrie can be nerve wracking and scary. But USAC did an amazing job with given information before my study abroad such as what to do in the country you are going, what is appropriate etc. South Korea was life changing and it wasn’t only my dream to be there but to study there especially at the #2 prestigious university in Korea, Yonsei. I was able to make so many friends from all across the world, learn about a new culture, learn a new language, be independent, being able to experience a new university setting and culture academically and make great me memories with great people. I will never forget my summer abroad in Seoul South Korea with USAC.

I wish I could go back and relive my summer in Seoul. It was honestly one of the best summers of my life. I enjoyed both of the courses I took and Yonsei's campus is beautiful. I had so much fun being able to explore Seoul, and one of my favorite parts of this program was that there were no classes on Friday, which gave us an extra to relax or go on adventures in the city. I made so many wonderful friends and created so many memories. The summer was over way to quickly, but I'm so glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone both to go on this program but also throughout it, as I know I grew a lot.

I wish I could go back and relive my summer in Seoul. It was honestly one of the best summers of my life. I enjoyed both of the courses I took and Yonsei's campus is beautiful. I had so much fun being able to explore Seoul, and one of my favorite parts of this program was that there were no classes on Friday, which gave us an extra to relax or go on adventures in the city. I made so many wonderful friends and created so many memories. The summer was over way to quickly, but I'm so glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone both to go on this program but also throughout it, as I know I grew a lot.

I wish I could go back and relive my summer in Seoul. It was honestly one of the best summers of my life. I enjoyed both of the courses I took and Yonsei's campus is beautiful. I had so much fun being able to explore Seoul, and one of my favorite parts of this program was that there were no classes on Friday, which gave us an extra to relax or go on adventures in the city. I made so many wonderful friends and created so many memories. The summer was over way to quickly, but I'm so glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone both to go on this program but also throughout it, as I know I grew a lot.