CIS Abroad - Semester in Seoul - Sogang University

Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world, and I certainly felt that and took advantage of it while I was there. There is so much to do, whether you stay close to school or venture to other cities or places in Korea. I felt sufficiently challenged by the academics while still having the time and flexibility to experience the new place around me. I made many friends I still talk to today, despite being someone who can struggle with meeting new people. I felt very supported and grew so much as a person as a result of this experience.

Korea has always been one of my dream places that I've always wanted to visit since I was in middle school, and with this opportunity from CIS, I got the chance to do that, and it had to be the most amazing experience of my entire life, and I wouldn't take it back for anything. I loved the people I was with for my program, and as an introvert, I made way more friends than I thought I would. It was like our group just clicked very fast, and to this day, I still talk to these people every day and cherish them so much. Traveling abroad to Korea has allowed me not only to fulfill a dream but also to work and reflect on myself. Living abroad by yourself isn't easy, and I learned a lot of things about myself, and I grew a lot more as a person. Korea also has some of the most beautiful scenery you'll ever see in your life, and being able to see the world as someone from a small town was such an incredible opportunity that I am so grateful for.

I studied at Sogang University with CIS Abroad in the spring semester of 2025 as part of a requirement for graduation in my degree plan. I was extremely hesitant about the trip at first, especially since it was my first time traveling abroad alone, and I would be living and studying in a completely new culture in a country where I didn’t know the language.
But CIS Abroad made it so simple, easy, and fun. Before I even applied for the trip, CIS Abroad’s advisors and coordinators were there to answer any of my questions in a detailed and timely manner.

Once I arrived in Seoul, my on-site program coordinator was there to help me every step of the way, arranging airport pickup and even a hotel to stay at with others on the CIS Abroad trip the first night, after such a long flight and jet lag, so that we could be fully rested before checking into our dorms the next day. Our on-site coordinator also helped us exchange currency, get an e-sim card, and provided dinner and breakfast while we were settling in. We all had a barrage of questions, but she was very informative and friendly.

The next day, when we arrived and checked into our dorm, our program coordinator stayed nearby in case we needed anything. We had several welcome events and orientations, both by CIS Abroad and Sogang University, in the next few days to help us adjust to life in Seoul. Everyone was extremely helpful and friendly, while letting us maintain our independence and explore the city on our own.

One of my favorite parts of my study abroad was how quickly I made friends with other exchange students and other CIS Abroad members. It’s tough making friends in college, but our cohort was small enough and we had enough events together that we all got to know each other really well. I always had someone to explore a new restaurant with or walk through the streets of Hongdae. Although we may live on separate sides of the U.S., we still text and call every day.

Because I was studying abroad in Seoul, I expected to meet lots of Korean students, but I was surprised at how many friends I made with exchange students from across the world. Some of my favorite cross-cultural exchanges were learning Swedish drinking games from two students from Stockholm, working on a group project with a student from Kazakhstan, and learning the colloquial differences between Spanish in Mexico (being from Texas, that’s most of the Spanish I hear) versus the Spanish in Spain from a classmate from Valencia.

CIS Abroad arranged several excursions and trips specifically for CIS Abroad students. These excursions never felt rushed or done on a budget; they were the perfect mix of cultural education and fun. Some of my favorite excursions were the Seoul scavenger hunt, hanbok rental experience and visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace (a classic Seoul must-do), an overnight trip to Yangyang Beach where we got to surf and visit several incredible Korean Buddhist temples, and the farewell dinner in Namsan Tower overlooking Seoul at a fancy restaurant with a four-course meal.

Often after class or on the weekends, I would explore Seoul on my own. I loved eating at a solo BBQ restaurant and then going window shopping in Hongdae. One of my favorite activities was hiking famous trails like Inwangsan and Bukhansan. Hiking is a popular pastime for many Korean retirees, so I got to practice my basic Korean skills and share some snacks with locals, while also visiting temples and learning about Seoul’s history while traversing the mountains. One of the things I miss most about Korea are the traditional bathhouses, or Jjimjilbangs, with saunas, cheap massages and body scrubs, and various cold and hot baths.

Korea is also known for its drinking culture and nightlife. Although we always made sure to practice basic safety tips like watching our drinks, avoiding clubs with bad reputations, and staying together in groups, we never felt unsafe or harassed while walking the streets, even at 2 or 3 a.m.

Because I was there for a semester, I was able to take it easy. If I felt like lying in bed all day (I rarely did), I could, and then hit the ground running the next day, exploring. I got to see a lot of things that on a one- or two-week vacation I would never do, like visiting the Seoul Botanical Gardens, taking a trip to Jeju with friends, or exploring the underground shopping malls in Gangnam.

I loved my study abroad, and Seoul will always be in my heart. I am forever grateful to CIS Abroad for making it possible.

Through this program made amazing friends and memories that I will hold close to my heart. I loved the school in Japan as well as in Korea. Professors were always very helpful and understanding. The program leaders were not always the most helpful; they tried their best but felt they were lost half the time. I would recommend 10/10, just be ready to also be flexible and be able to embrace change. This is an experience I would never change, and I made so many amazing people along the way. The experiences on this study abroad trip are things I still think about weeks later.

I have really enjoyed spending my semester abroad in Seoul, South Korea with my provider CIS Abroad. Months before the arrival date I was already in close contact with my program's coordinator and other staff members, so all my questions were answered in a timely manner. Onsite we had an amazing director, who would go sightseeing with us, help with doctor's appointments, recommend delicious cafes near campus and in general would answer all of our questions. I felt that I wasn't alone in a foreign country and could always rely on our onsite director or other staff members working remotely. I made so many fun memories in Seoul, would highly recommend it to other students as well.

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.