Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is very fun and it’s a great place to be however the academics and the dorm life at Korea University were very disappointing. The inability to hang out with friends in the dorms is a big disadvantage and getting support from the teachers is very difficult. The teachers also speak good English but they are still hard to understand and don’t do very much to accommodate. Class registration was very stressful and if you don’t register for classes immediately you will not get what you want. But overall it has been an amazing experience and I’ve made a lot of great friends and learned a lot.

I’ve always been interested in traveling since I was young. I wanted to go to multiple countries and learn the languages of said countries so I could get the most out of it; being a polyglot is still something I’m working towards. Initially I had no interest in visiting South Korea. It didn’t pop up on my radar until late 2021 when my friend got me into the K-pop group BTS. After I was introduced into a seemingly endless world or Korean culture, I began teaching myself Hangul to better understand my new daily music preferences. At the same time, I saw a plethora of videos of Korean historical and recreational destinations, fashion malls and cuisine hotspots where food like the viral Korean corn dogs and the ever delicious KBBQ were sold. What captured my attention was how convenient the convenience stores were and the drinks people would make there. If you know, you know. A few months later in January, I received an email from the TEAN Abroad organization about applications opening for the opportunity to study abroad in South Korea for the upcoming fall semester. I, of course, jumped at the chance and started the strenuous but worthwhile process of getting a passport, applying for a student visa, and moving to Korea where I’d be for four months when I’d never been out of the country before aside from cruises. In my time spent in Korea I was able to meet so many amazing and like-minded people who shared many interests with me, I had the best food at my disposal at every turn I made, the cultural sights I visited were otherworldly, I was able to partake in learning and speaking Korean in a native environment, and my confidence with traveling and socializing went beyond my expectations. My study abroad experience with the 2022 program was unlike anything I could’ve imagined, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the knowledge and support of TEAN. Thank y’all so much for aiding in this experience!

Living in Seoul was such a rewarding experience. I would recommend Seoul to anyone who is interested in food, history, and loves shopping or cafe hopping. TEAN only added to this wonderful experience by taking care of all the stressful yet necessary aspects of living abroad. They planned activities that satisfied all of my above recommendations. They took us on historical tours, took us to local food markets, and even helped us with visa documents. Overall it was a fantastic experience and I would recommend TEAN and Seoul to everyone.

for my first experience abroad, TEAN actually made it so easy to apply and navigate my time before and during being in Seoul. I didn’t realize how much i’d appreciate coming in knowing staff and having a group of students that came with TEAN too, meaning i already had some common ground with people coming into it to make friends. The on-site staff was so kind and helpful in adapting and giving suggestions for navigating life here in Seoul. Anam house wasn’t my favorite, but that’s a KU issue. I’d go with TEAN again if I were to do this all again!

I spent July in Seoul, South Korea and my experience was like no other I've had before. I met so many lovely locals and other foreign study-abroad students. One of the most interesting aspects of studying at an international school was meeting students from places I know little about and learning from them about their cultures.

There were times when our groups of foreign students attracted unwanted attention from locals in forms such as subtle picture-taking. While this was an issue a few times, it was understandable given the diversity differences between South Korea and our primarily American groups. Overall, everyone we met was super nice and accommodating to us.

I found that knowing a bit of Korean was helpful for getting around and having small conversational exchanges but it's not necessary. The classes are in English and there is lots of help from the program to get students set on the right path.

I loved the course I took which taught me more about Korean culture and wasn't too difficult, which I appreciated for a summer course. The TEAN program and HISS also set up activities and trips that helped to submerge us in the culture. These were wonderful and ensured that even if we struggled to plan our own excursions, there was something guaranteeing we got out.

I never experienced culture shock or became homesick but many students did experience this. I would advise doing research before arriving in Korea to better understand cultural differences. It helped prepare me for my arrival and softened the effect of cultural differences. This is also important for people who aren't sure if they'll feel comfortable in the culture. Looking into the cultural differences (ie. loud speaking) can help choose the best fit for places to spend more extensive periods of time.

I absolutely loved the experience I had through TEAN. Even far before we touched ground at the airport. The staff was very supportive and made sure to have all of our contact information updated. They also set up many fun events, such as going out to restaurants and excursions to different popular cities in tourist areas. They did not choose the cheaper options, but rather options that were most comfortable and helpful to students at all times. I definitely recommend going with TEAN more than any other program, because I am actually going to study abroad through teen again in Japan next semester, that’s how much I liked them. You will get a very fast responses from the staff and also make lifelong friends from this program.

Made so many friends that still keep in contact with me, along with long lasting cultural knowledge that was beautiful to watch and learn. I ache to go back to Korea every day, and I am so glad I chose Korea for my study abroad adventure. The food, clothing, and social areas were amazing, and I could safely walk by myself if I got home a little late! I’ve never felt safer than I did in Korea, and I felt like I truly belonged in the community I was apart of. The school spirit was awesome too, and the festival culture was so exciting to experience!!!!! 10/10 would recommend.

Studying abroad in Seoul as a McNair Scholar and a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar was an extraordinary journey that not only enriched my academic experience but also allowed me to engage with high-level officials, diplomats, government leaders, and partake in a vital experience as an aspiring higher education administrator with a focus on global learning. South Korea, with its vibrant culture, technological advancement, and diverse landscapes, proved to be an amazing destination for my academic exploration.

I am immensely grateful for choosing the program that facilitated my study abroad experience. The support and resources provided by the ISA/TEAN staff were instrumental in making this adventure as smooth and enriching as possible. Their guidance, from pre-departure orientations to on-site assistance, was invaluable, helping to ease the initial overwhelming transition into a new country. The activities, orientations, and social events organized by the staff not only made me feel more at home but also allowed me to connect with other international students, forming lasting friendships.

One exceptional aspect of my study abroad experience was attending the CIEE Annual Conference in Seoul. This conference was not only an enlightening experience but also a crucial one for my aspirations as a higher education administrator with a focus on global learning. The conference provided a platform to network with professionals, scholars, and leaders in the field of international education and global learning. The knowledge and insights gained from the conference have been instrumental in shaping my academic and career path. It allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the global higher education landscape, exchange ideas, and learn from experts in the field.

Moreover, my study abroad program included an excursion to Busan, a picturesque coastal city. The private bus and guided tour provided a comprehensive exploration of the city, allowing us to experience its unique culture and stunning locations. Busan's blend of beautiful beaches, fish markets, and historical sites, such as Buddhist temples and colorful villages, made it an unforgettable addition to our study abroad journey.

Seoul itself is a marvel, a city where efficiency and aesthetics are seamlessly integrated into daily life. The advanced technology and infrastructure in Seoul are beyond comparison, making everyday experiences more enjoyable. The city's vibrant atmosphere, bustling streets, and diverse activities offer something for everyone. From the captivating nightlife to leisurely cafe hopping, from shopping in the city to sightseeing, Seoul truly has it all.

My time in Korea has not only broadened my academic horizons but has also given me a deeper understanding of the culture and way of life in this extraordinary country. Despite the language barrier, I felt safe and independent, a testament to the welcoming nature of the people in Seoul. As a McNair Scholar and a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar aspiring to be a higher education administrator with a focus on global learning, I couldn't have asked for a more enriching and eye-opening study abroad experience.

In conclusion, my study abroad journey in South Korea, particularly in Seoul, Busan, was a remarkable adventure that left a lasting impact on my personal and academic growth. The resources and support provided by the program, the vibrant city of Seoul, the diverse experiences in different regions of South Korea, the engagement with government officials, and the transformative experience of attending the CIEE Annual Conference made this experience truly unforgettable.