TEAN: Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

Honestly an amazing experience that I can probably say was one of the best eras of my life so far. I got to go to a country I was interested in, meet incredible people that I will probably keep in touch with for a long time, do countless activities all of that while I took classes that were key to my college graduation. I was a little worried about having to figure it all out myself, but I was honestly incredibly thankful to the staff on and off site who were all so nice and helpful. The activities offered are also really great, it really helped to be guided for the first couple of days in a country so far from home where it is easy to get overwhelmed by all there is to do and explore.
Korea was very welcoming, even when people do not speak English, and if you don't speak Korea, most of the time they try to help as best as they can.
There is also so much to do that is easily accessible; pop up stores in Seongsu, idol birthday cafes in Hongdae, hiking up countless mountains, exploring palaces and older traditional neighborhoods... I feel like there are options for a wide range of people and interests.

The program's staff was very supportive before and throughout my entire study abroad trip. When applying for the program, I would send an email and they would respond right away on any questions regarding the application process. While in Korea, the staff was very friendly and willing to help me out when I had any questions or needed their assistance, they consistently made themselves available and supported me throughout my study abroad experience. They organized many activities and it was evident that every staff member was genuinely eager about connecting and engaging with the students.

A phenomenal program and place to go if you want to improve your social confidence, be less of a picky eater, try new styles and clothes, explore nightlife, and learn meaningful life lessons.

So much of making the most of your time lies in preparation. Pack properly. Don't bring a lot, you'll want to buy a lot there. Don't bring overly colorful clothes (You'll stand out a lot!). Account for mid/post-semester travel when booking flights. Flights to Japan, Taiwan, and more are very cheap compared to from the states.
Be involved in KUBA! Go to the cheering orientations, the dinners, and more. They're more expensive than a meal on your own, but they are amazing opportunities to make friends with both Koreans and exchange students from around the world. I regret not going to my group's MT (bonding event) despite its steep price.

There are so many activities that can be done outside of school. You could go to pop-up shops or go to a cafe. The place is very convenient for traveling and walking everywhere. There are places you can eat and try new foods. It is fine to go by yourself to places. There are so many places where you can take photos and be able to create memories it also has so many accessories that can make your photo fun. The professors are really nice and very helpful making the class fun and easy to study. The communication with locals was great because I was able to learn Korean and some of them knew English.

My experience of studying abroad truly felt like a dream. When I think about my time there, I feel so endlessly grateful for the life I lived and all of the lessons I have learned. I went for my spring semester junior year, I arrived in late February and left in late June. I experienced winter, spring, and summer in Korea and it was the most magical thing ever. School started in early March, and every day after classes my friends and I would go explore the city, go to cafes to do homework, shop for our daily necessities and so much more. Every day was filled with adventure and meaningful moments. I enjoyed the time I spent alone exploring the city, all of the precious moments between people, and the beauty of the city. I miss Korea and my life there, and I am so grateful for TEAN and all of their help along the way.

Before starting the program, I did not know anything about South Korea except for Korean pop culture. I believe Seoul is the perfect destination for students that want to explore a little bit of everything. I enjoyed being able to go out every day, and just explore a different part of the city, and even a different part of the country. If you are considering Seoul, make a bucket list because there is so much to do! I made great memories, and it was easy to get to know other students even in other universities. Seoul feels much safer, than other cities like NYC, or Boston that I've been to. Whether you are looking for a more outdoorsy experience, or nightlife, or going to concerts, Korea has a something to offer to everyone, and I am so glad I did so by studying abroad with this program!

Since high school, my dream has been to study abroad, specifically in Seoul, South Korea. I started watching Korean dramas in 2017, and ever since then, I have been fascinated by the culture, food, and language. What was once just a dream became a reality. I believe it's important to educate oneself about different cultures. Instead of relying solely on media portrayals of a country, it's important to seek opportunities to experience it firsthand to form unbiased opinions. I feel that I've learned a lot about Korean culture through this approach.
One of my favorite experiences was festival week at the university I was attending. They invited artists and groups like Day 6 and Jay Park, well-known Korean artists. It was amazing to see how every department came together and participated in the cheering event where students spent hours chanting the university name.

Would I recommend this to other students?
Absolutely, I think it's a great experience because you get to explore and make memories by learning about a new culture and meeting new people with different perspectives and backgrounds. You also become more self-reliant as you are able to live in a whole new country without your friends and family, so you get to discover yourself and gain knowledge that will positively change your life forever.

I chose to study abroad through TEAN in Seoul, South Korea as a student at Korea University. During the 2022-2023 semester, living in Seoul became my new home. At first, I was alone, but as I took learning the language more seriously, and was comfortable adapting to the culture change, I was able to make lots of friends. Making friends with the natives boosted my experiences. I was able to visit local cafes, restaurants, and pop-up shops around Seoul. Also, it is hard not to indulge and spend all of your money. After living in Seoul for a year, I did not feel so much like a foreigner anymore. I was extremely grateful for the help through TEAN by making my trip and transition to arriving in Seoul both semesters easy. I also participated in the Seoul, Winter Program and hosted through TEAN during 2023-2024 at Korea University again. If it were not for choosing to study abroad, I believe I would not have developed my new goal of returning to my host university, Korea University, as a graduate student after graduating with my undergraduate.