Fall Semester in Seoul, South Korea - Sogang University

I came into this semester in Sogang knowing very little about the Korean language and culture and, in general, life outside the US because this was the first time I had traveled abroad. Understandably, I was nervous but also excited, as I had no idea what to expect. However, Seoul, Sogang, and CIS welcomed me with open arms and truly made my experience in Seoul life-changing! I had the opportunity to make so many friends from different places worldwide, exposing me to many new perspectives. I learned so much about a completely different culture and way of living. The people of Seoul were incredibly kind, welcoming, and always helpful if I needed help or clarification. The city is also very safe, almost so safe it's hard to adjust to at first. As a girl, I could walk back to my dorm from a restaurant in Sinchon late at night without fear of anything happening. The buses stop at midnight, so sometimes, if I studied later than that at a cafe, I could safely walk back to my dorm. It's also quite normal to see people leaving their phones on their tables while they go up to order or go to the restroom without any fear they will be stolen.

For students worried about loneliness during the program, which could quickly arise, especially when you aren't familiar with anyone in your schedule, Sogang University has a wonderful program called HUG (hands up for gathering) that works to help exchange students get to know more people on campus. They pair you up with a local student who will be your buddy throughout the semester, and they hold events where you can learn more about Korean culture and meet fellow study-abroad students. This program helped me settle within the college and form friendships with others! Not to mention, CIS provides a coordinator who lives in Seoul and arranges events for students in the program to participate in. So, students also get the opportunity to get to know people in your program as well!

CIS was also such a fantastic help during my time abroad. My coordinator, Tatum, was so kind and was always there to offer advice on the best cafes or restaurants. It was also very helpful that she was familiar with Seoul and fluent in Korean. Many of my friends in Sogang who had different study abroad programs didn't have this kind of help available. They struggled a lot when problems arose, such as needing to buy specific medicine or visit the doctors.

Overall, I highly recommend this program! It offers scheduled events to attend, but there's so much to do outside of that as a solo traveler or with a group of friends. Plus, the food is amazing and much cheaper than the US! Sogang University is also in such a great location. You have Sinchon, the university neighborhood with so much to do, within walking distance, and Hongdae, the area known for its nightlife, only a few bus stops away. This program is a fantastic opportunity to get to know Seoul and have support along the way!