Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

Location
  • South Korea
    • Seoul
Term
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Dormitory
Language
English
Jun 15, 2026
Aug 27, 2025
150 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

The capital of South Korea, Seoul is truly a modern, cosmopolitan, and dazzling city.

Seoul is among the largest cities in the world in terms of both population and area, with over 20 million people residing in the metropolitan area. In addition to the unique classroom culture and college atmosphere, Seoul offers natural beauty through its royal palaces, Buddhist temples, sleek skyscrapers, and cutting-edge technology. Plus, there is an excellent public transportation system that allows you to get anywhere in the city within minutes.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

Students praise the program’s strong support, smooth logistics, and helpful staff, which ease cultural adjustment and visa processes.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Community and Impact Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations.
Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Community and Impact Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations.
WorldStrides is devoted to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence. Our Health & Safety team is available to answer questions about insurance and medication, as well as provide students with materials on overseas access to support.
We are dedicated to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of accessibility. With our wide portfolio of program types and locations we’re confident there is a suitable and accessible program for each student. Accommodations abroad can be complex and take time, so those with accessibility needs should inform WorldStrides of any accommodations requests as early as possible in the advising process.

Impact 🌎

We have partnered with Fill it Forward to engage team members and program participants in waste reduction practices. The goal is to encourage the elimination of single-use waste. Every QR code scan shows the impact of reusable bottles and unlocks a donation to environmental impact groups.
WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

Program Highlights

  • Seoul is known for its impressive skyline. The cityscape showcases a blend of traditional Korean architecture and contemporary high-rise buildings.
  • South Korea is renowned for its high-quality education system and prestigious universities. Many universities are ranked among the top in Asia.
  • Korea and Yonsei University are members of the prestigious group of SKY universities in Korea, similar to the Ivy League in the U.S.
  • Sogang University is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and business
  • Hanyang university is known for courses in technology and science, with hands-on learning in high-tech labs and unique innovation spaces.

Popular Programs

TEAN: Korea University

Spend a semester, summer, or j-term at Korea University—one of Asia’s top universities—studying business and a variety of other subjects while immersing yourself in the rich culture and dynamic energy of Seoul.

Hanyang University

Accelerate your STEM and business studies at one of Asia’s most cutting-edge universities while living in the vibrant capital city of Seoul.

yonsei university

Spend a semester, summer, or j-term studying at Yonsei University, one of Asia’s most prestigious institutions, while living in the heart of Seoul—a global capital of innovation, culture, and entertainment.

sogang university

Spend a semester or summer in Seoul taking English-taught courses at Sogang University, South Korea’s oldest Jesuit institution, situated in the vibrant and artsy Hongdae district.

sejong university

Study at Sejong University, one of Asia’s top institutions for hospitality and tourism, and take courses alongside both Korean and international students in the dynamic city of Seoul.

konkuk uni

Spend a semester in Seoul, South Korea, combining academic coursework with a hands-on internship at the vibrant and well-respected Konkuk University. Earn academic credit at Konkuk University while interning with Gen.G, one of the top global esports organizations, on this esports-focused program in Seoul in the summer.

Program Reviews

4.88 Rating
based on 57 reviews
  • 5 rating 87.72%
  • 4 rating 12.28%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.45
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.9
  • Housing 4.55
  • Safety 5
Showing 9 - 16 of 57 reviews
Yulisa
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Outside of school

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.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I saw is that most restaurants open very late, like 11 am, which is surprising for me because many places open earlier.
Pros
  • New culture
  • Great classes
  • Very easy to walk around
Cons
  • Homesick
  • Not making as much friends
  • Laundry
108 people found this review helpful.
Samantha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spring time in Seoul with TEAN

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.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
One thing I would change is to book my custom-made laneige cushion foundation months ahead because it is so popular. I would do as much as I can because 4 months feels like a lot when you are at the start of your journey, but it flies by faster than you think. Savor every moment!
Pros
  • So many activities to do all of the time
  • It is a relatively inexpensive city to live in for short term living.
  • Low crime rates
Cons
  • High levels of air pollution
  • Can be discriminatory to foreigners of color
107 people found this review helpful.
Arli
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Such an exciting opportunity!

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!

102 people found this review helpful.
Stephane
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Dreams do come true.

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.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Despite being from NYC, where taking public transportation is common, I was initially afraid to navigate the Seoul metro system. I worried about getting lost and not being able to ask for help due to the language barrier. However, after weeks of trial and error, I realized that everything was also available in English. This realization eased my mind and I became confident in navigating the system. Now, I'm sure that I won't have any issues finding my way around when I visit again.
Pros
  • Convenience
  • Good Food
  • Fun moments
Cons
  • Language barrier
112 people found this review helpful.
Toni
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Decision for Myself.

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.

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moment for me is I really would eat a lot of convenient food at the convenience stores. The experience of seeing the difference between convenient stores in South Korea compared to America was unreal.
Pros
  • Feeling safe sightseeing alone.
  • Helpful staff.
  • Great cuisine.
Cons
  • The chance of flight delay.
  • Weather changes.
  • Slight language barrier.
93 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Would Recommend!!!

I would definitely go through TEAN for my study abroad experience. The onsite staff were very useful and a much needed support system when adjusting to a new environment. Many of time the staff helped me with translating as my Korean is not very good. The excursions which are included in the program price which made planning very easy. I did not need to figure out stuff like tickets. Most of the popular attractions were a part of this program, there was not an excursion that was uninteresting. This program also planned a trip to Busan which was amazing. Other exchange students at my university, not apart of TEAN, were a bit jealous as they could not join this experience because they were not with TEAN. TEAN also guarantees university housing so this minimized stress. Overall, I think studying abroad without this program would have been a lot more difficult and not as exciting due to the support and community of TEAN.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Say yes to things outside of your comfort zone. Welcome new experiences, it will help you grow and develop as a person.
Pros
  • Fun
  • Educational
Cons
  • Culture Shock
91 people found this review helpful.
Cameron
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I want to go back!

I went to South Korea for Fall Semester which encompassed the Late Summer, Fall, and the Winter Seasons, and it was my favorite memory and makes me want to go back A.S.A.P!
Going to the country without prior knowledge of the language I was able to learn through the classes I had taken at Korea University and immerse myself quick enough that I did not struggle as much as one would think. I love food, and it was so easy to get a quick bite to eat or have a nice sit down meal with friends and colleagues, during my first week a meal was set-up through the program where everyone in the program was able to have a sit-down nice meal where we learned each other's names and ate great Korean Fried Chicken!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have gone for a full year if I could have! Also, I would have practiced more Korean speaking prior to going.
Pros
  • Food
  • Culture
  • People you meet
Cons
  • You want to go back as soon as you leave
109 people found this review helpful.
Melody
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

I am so thankful I got the opportunity to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea fall 2023. It was an experience I won't forget. I'm very thankful to have experienced it with TEAN. They gave students enough guidance, resources, and information pre-departure and during my time studying abroad. I felt ready and equipped for departure from the States. During my time, I always felt that TEAN had my back and whenever I had questions, there was always someone to go to. I think TEAN did a really good job giving international students the best experience in Seoul. All of the things I wanted to do, TEAN had already planned and thought of. The best part is that it's already paid for through the program so all the cultural excursions and activities planned throughout the semester was basically 'free'. I would definitely do it all over again!

Pros
  • pre-planned/prepaid cultural excursions + activities
  • cheap costs of living & affordable + delicious food in Seoul
  • housing/dorm is top-tier & luxurious
Cons
  • At Korea University, I found it hard for international students to engage with local Koreans & to feel a part of the school student body
  • no meal plan
  • you pay for your plane ticket
110 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

In Seoul, I would say that quite a large amount of people can understand and speak at least a little English. In popular areas with heavy foot traffic like Hongdae, Myeongdong, itaewon and Dongdaemun you should be ok to use English because they get a lot of foreigners there. At Korea University in Anam since there are a lot of university students that had to study English back in high school and...

Hi Trya! The cost of our program in Seoul can vary term to term and depending on which program you are interested in (summer or semester or winter term). I recommend visiting our website to see current pricing for upcoming programs.