CIEE College Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

I did my study abroad program at Yonsei University in Seoul through CIEE in the Fall of 2021. Because COVID was still very prevalent, classes were remote. However, that did not make my experience any less memorable! CIEE had lots of programming, both on the weekend and weekdays, to ensure we were getting familiar with the city and other students. While there was no meal plan, meals at nearby restaurants or at campus cafeteria was both affordable and delicious! Finally, CIEE was supportive with academics even before the semester began by walking us through the class registration process. Later in the semester, there was a one-on-one check-in to ensure we were adjusting well academically and socially. It was really nice having that kind of institutional support when exploring and living in a city as exciting as Seoul.

As an Asian-American, this was my first time exploring Asia in my life. Coming to Seoul, I had limited knowledge of Korean (from a few courses I took in school), so I was nervous about how to navigate the region. However, CIEE had a Seoulmates program, where I was able to connect with local students and that had really improved my experience. I made many new friends and was introduced to many cultural experiences with them. I even made mini weekend trips to other parts of South Korea with my Seoulmates, which was amazing!

Korea's food is super yummy and affordable too -- I never had to cook or go grocery shopping during my time abroad. Definitely a great place to go if you're a foodie.

CIEE hosts many events throughout the semester, and I am grateful to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed each one I have attended — from cooking classes to archery cafes, from museums to excursions outside of Seoul, each activity was something I had always wanted to do, but perhaps wouldn’t think of during my time here. And to make the experiences all the more enriching, we are often accompanied by Seoulmates, who are local students that guide our small groups during the CIEE events. It was the best time of my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

I admit I had set the bar really high for my semester in Seoul, but I was not disappointed. It was just as beautiful and exciting as I expected. I didn't realize that Seoul itself had different provinces and that surprised me but made me more excited. When I got to the Collage Campus, I got lost because it was big and a little confusing, however, when I got used to it it was exciting just walking to class and see the changing season. My classes weren't all that hard and even if I had trouble the teachers were really understanding and helpful. I think the only thing that got me was the big language barrier, but I had both friends who could translate and the people would understand and switch to English. I loved my semester here and I would definitely recommend it for anyone who wants to study abroad!

I really loved the program for my chance to get out of my small interconnected school and really see the world. Overtime in South Korea I sincerly developed a love for the nature and experience of being abroad and it wasn't significantly uncomfortable for me to be a minority. Of course, in the beginning I took longer on tasks than I would have in the states but it didn't take long for me to adapt and speed up my ability to function in a completely different society. One of my favorite things to do is identify all the unique plant and wildlife present. Its a lot more intriguing than reading from a textbook and its a unique experience for myself to actually get to see the material I'm learning about. Overall the experience was priceless and I can not wait to travel back!

I came to study abroad in Seoul for Spring of 2019. I had such an amazing experience making new friends and exploring my surroundings with them. I visited many different themed cafes while in Seoul and new foods that I would never have tried back home. I feel that my favorite cafe are the ones I was able to experience with my friends for the first time. Also, a lot of the cafes are cute for trying new drinks and desserts but also for photos!! The staff in my program are all extremely friendly that when I was unable to attend an event I let them know and they would make sure that I was okay. They would also plan many fun activities and experiences to help you adjust to your time in Seoul. They also gave us many opportunities to volunteer and it was fun getting to hang out with both children and teens! It felt like I had a second family here in Seoul that whenever I got homesick I was happy to have them!!

CIEE gave me a support system that many people here did not have. Yonsei does not have good support for international students, so CIEE was a huge help to me whenever I needed help with something (like going to the doctor), and they were always willing to help. It is pricey, but it is worth it in the number of excursions that they organize for you. I was able to go to Busan and stay in a nice hotel with CIEE, all included in the cost. This was especially great because we went during the Busan International Film Festival, and I was able to see a movie there! They also pair you with a Korean student, called a Seoulmate, and they take you on activities as well. My study abroad experience would not have been the same if I had not gone with CIEE. I recommend it to anyone looking to go to Seoul.

This Summer Korean Studies program CIEE offers a wide variety of experiences for students who are inexperienced with studying abroad or traveling in general! Instead of studying abroad alone without guidance, this program provides students the ability to connect with others as well as planned activities and excursions!

When it comes to cultural activities, the program is able to introduce students to cultural diversity in Korea. Many of the excursions and events that are offered by the program are lead by experienced staff members who know there way around Korea. Excursions that were provided in this current program such as temple visits, city exploration, village tours, etc, provided great opportunities for cultural immersion! Through these excursions, I was able to make a variety of friends with other students and staff members.

What's great about this program is that it offers students opportunities to be independent when it comes to exploration! I specifically remember a memory where the program staff allowed my group of friends and I to explore the city of Seoul at the beginning of the program. We were trying to find Gyeongbokgung Palace, but we ended up in Gangnam at a 'royal palace', which was just a hotel due to a mistake my friend made. It was a hilarious, memorable experience since it was my first time using the Seoul subway system. My group ended up going for tacos at the end of the day in Gangnam, but I enjoyed this delightful misadventure!

I recommend students who participate in this program to go outside of their comfort zone and take advantage of opportunities available in this study abroad experience! I've participated in quite a few fun activities in the program, including cultural activities that can be reimbursed by the program! I also recommend students to do research about South Korea and what is offered in this program! There are many things to do in this wonderful country, and it's best if students can plan in advance what they want to do in South Korea!

I was able to meet amazing friends and experience different cultural events throughout the program! These memories will be unforgettable as time passes, and I hope to enjoy more studying abroad experiences like this one in the future!