CIS Abroad - Semester in Seoul - 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!

There are no words to describe how amazing my time in South Korea was. Prior to going, I had never been away from home with people I never met, and was very nervous about whether I would make friends or have a good time. But within a week, I was having the time of my life! I was making friends, going out, and experiencing the college experience I never had. Although Sogang was not my first choice, I will say in the end it was the best for more. Coming from a small college, the size of Sogang was perfect. I was able to have a larger campus without feeling overwhelmed. And the location of the school is amazing. In the heart of Sinchon, and only a few subway stops from Hongdae, it was the perfect school for me. 2 of the biggest factors for my successful study abroad were CISAbroad and Sogang's HUG program. CISAbroad was there for me every step of the way, providing me with a welcoming experience as well as excursions to immerse yourself in the culture. Through the program, I made friends and was able to try activities I would have never thought to do. I am very thankful for the entire team who helped me throughout my time in Korea. HUG was a school club led by Korean students who wanted to share their culture with foreigners, as well as learn about outside cultures. Through this club, I was able to meet new friends and experience traditional Korean college events. Although I was only there for 4 months, I was able to make a lifetime of memories. All of the wonderful people I met and experiences I had, I would never trade it for anything.

My time in South Korea was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Having grown up in Mississippi, moving to Seoul to study and live for 4 months was scary at first, but I feel so richly rewarded with how I have grown personally by stepping outside of my comfort zone. CIS Abroad was very transparent with any questions or concerns I had, and my CIS on-site director was very welcoming and willing to help. I really enjoyed our excursions with CIS Abroad, though I do wish there had been a few more opportunities to do things with the group. I came to love South Korea so much, from the subway system to the endless amount of things to see and places to visit, as well as the delicious foods and upbeat music of the country. I made lifelong friends studying abroad who really helped me settle into Sogang University as if it were a second home. Looking back on how lucky I was to experience so much in Seoul and to meet such amazing people, a part of my heart will forever reside in this city, where I lived for 4 months. Sogang University's campus was in an excellent location with easy access to some of my favorite places, like Sinchon and Hongdae. The English-speaking classes were generally well conducted. I do wish that the Sogang University Gonzaga Dormitory's facilities were more foreigner-friendly, especially in regards to the laundry. As with many things in Seoul, it is hard to do much without first owning a South Korean phone number or bank account. If you don't have these, it may be difficult to do some simple things on campus, like order delivery food or do laundry. Despite some of these frustrating barriers, my time at Sogang was mostly laidback, and I enjoyed most of my classes. 

My personal favorite experience during my time in South Korea was participating in two homestays! The CISabroad coordinator for my program helped me set up homestays with two different families. I first stayed with a family that lived outside of Seoul, and they took me to places I would have never found as a foreign tourist. I learned about traditional Korean culture, wore their traditional dress(hanbok), visited a buddhist temple to have tea with a monk, went strawberry picking, and so much more! I also stayed with a girl my age who lived in Seoul, and she was my personal tour guide for all the major touristy spots as well as showing me some hidden gems in the city. She taught me how to make kimbap, helped me learn how to ride the bus system, and made me feel like I fit in as a young adult in Seoul. I know I have made lifelong connections with these people, and I am thankful to call them my friends. We often exchange pictures and stories from all our adventures, and I get to still be connected with my trip and the country even while I’m back in the states.