I loved studying abroad in South Korea for one year. The experience is something I would recommend to everyone. South Korea feels so safe, the students are so nice and the food is amazing! I learned a bit of Korean before I left but I really recommend to learn some because it helps so much! All of the Koreans I spoke to were friendly and open to making friends with me. The professors were amazing and the dorm is so convenient to live at. There are a lot of hills so be prepared for that but you’ll get used to it!!

Studying abroad in South Korea was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. It wasn’t always easy—the constant weather changes made me sick more often than I expected, and the extra costs of medicine and care pushed my budget more than I had planned. But those challenges taught me how to adapt quickly and take better care of myself. What I enjoyed most was the feeling of actually living there instead of just visiting. Over time, I learned my way around, could order food without hesitation, and felt comfortable navigating the subway. I also built some amazing friendships that made the experience even more meaningful—we explored the city together, tried new foods, and shared a lot of laughs. Campus life was another highlight. I actually looked forward to going to class every day, not just to learn but to connect with my professors, who were incredibly supportive and engaging. Outside of school, I had so many personal adventures—whether it was wandering through traditional markets, going to noraebang alone, or staying out late for street food and drinks with friends. Those everyday moments, big and small, became memories I’ll carry with me forever. Overall, studying in Korea helped me grow more independent, adaptable, and open-minded. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone, gave me lifelong friendships, and showed me how rewarding it is to embrace both the challenges and joys of living in a new culture. I will go back in the future and not just because I love it there, but because my vision of working there in the future as an English teacher is now certain.

As cliche as this may sound, I truly had the best time of my entire life while I was abroad in Seoul, South Korea. Everyday truly felt like a movie. There was always something new to look forward to and come to think of it, there seemed to never have been a dull moment during my time abroad. I was able to travel and experience many new things for the first time in the entire 4 months that I was there than I have ever experienced during my 21 years of living in my home country. I will miss the students, professors, faculty, community, and my friends that I made through the USAC program. We all got super close and because of them, I was able to discover many new sides of myself that I didn't know existed. Not only that but being part of a new culture and integrating within that society really gave me a new perspective on life. I learned so much from this experience that and I hope everyone is able to have the same opportunity that I had at least once in their lifetime.

This program was the perfect mix of rigor, culture, and fun. I enjoyed every part from going to class, to going on our cultural field trips, to getting to know my new peers. If you are looking for a program that going to change your view on the world and expand your knowledge of other cultures this is the program for you. As a Korean Media lover this was the perfect program to feel integrated into this world. This program is also perfect for those that prefer a more rural experience but that still want to experience a city life experience.

I was able to have the time of my life at Kookmin University in South Korea, the country that is known for their rapid technology innovations and “KPOP” a genre of music that is creating a sensation worldwide. I was so excited to find out my university offered South Korea, being my first choice in where I wanted to study abroad. Kookmin University is such a gorgeous campus- straight out of a fiction book! Perfect place for those who love nice sceneries with lots of green trees! The local students were also so so helpful, I was always able to rely on them for help while traveling around.
Being able to be part of their Finance studies, I had a glimpse of how professors directly care for their students, following up with any questions we had about lectures. In Korea I realized that students and professors have a more friendly bond- they will ask about why you missed class and showed that they cared.
USAC connected with my university in South Korea, giving us opportunities to go on field trips to historical monuments. A memorable activity we did was make candles out of sesame oil, and we got to design them with pretty dried flowers- all for free!
The most fun event that I was able participate in was an OVERNIGHT COLLEGE RETREAT! Not a normal field trip in the US, the retreat was full of lots of food, fun activities, and time to bond and really get the authentic college experience that all Korean university students get.
There was not a moment in South Korea that I was bored, there was always an event going on either at school or in town that allowed foreign students to participate at our own comfort with the locals! Go study abroad! It was all worth it in the end- there are so much more out there, go and explore!

For many years I have wanted to visit Seoul, South Korea, and this program gave me the opportunity to do so. South Korea has one of the most dynamic societies I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Seoul is an absolutely gorgeous city filled with a rich culture yet modern economy. On the same street, you can see modern high rises that rival any countries and traditional food stands. Speaking of food, everything is delicious and cheap. Anywhere you go in Seoul, there will always be someone making food that you can consume, either at the stands or walking. There are also plenty of places to buy things, so make sure to pack lightly.

The people in Seoul are generally very kind and respectful. They are willing to assist you if you're lost or need anything else. Foreigners are overall very welcome within South Korea.

Korean fashion is also unique in comparison to the fashion present in the USA. Every district in Korea seems to have formed its own type of clothing. Hongdae is where most people are dressed in street-wear whereas Gangnam is where most people wear name-brand clothing that costs more than my left arm.

Kookmin University is also a wonderful school, located in a very beautiful part of Seoul. There is not much to do around the school, but if you cross the street, some more traditional-style restaurants can be found if you just go down the stairs. The campus itself is very well put together. There are many trees and lovely plants not native to the USA as well as a large dragon fountain right at the entrance of the school. If you're looking for some cool spots on campus, the Student Union building has a wonderful bakery right outside the doors of the second floor (try the Squid Ink Bread, it's basically the best thing I've ever eaten).

I can't say much about the on/off-campus dorms or even the Stay4U accommodations, as I lived off-campus the entire year I studied in Korea. If you are planning on living in on-campus dorms, be aware that there is a curfew and it's quite far from where most young people like to go to hang out. If you are looking for accommodations off-campus, I would suggest looking into an AIRBNB, Seoul's Craiglist (it's not as shady as American Craigslist, but still be careful) or even on Facebook Marketplace.

Overall the city is very welcoming to those who love city life, so I encourage you to take the leap and go there. The only thing I would suggest is that you arrive in Korea with some knowledge of culture, respect, and the Korean language. You do not have to be completely fluent in Korean, but being able to read it is very helpful when getting around.

Also, if you plan on staying for a year, you should look into getting a bank card attached to your transit card, it makes traveling and purchasing things much easier. There is even a bank on Kookmin campus that can help you do this! Good luck and have fun!