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.

Being a first-generation college student and having immigrant parents, I believed that dreams were nothing more than an exaggerated expectation of what was possible and that we should never hope to realize them. My dream was to travel and my younger self would’ve never imagined that there would be chances for me that may support me in making aspirations come true. And I'm pleased I did because choosing to study in South Korea was the best choice I've ever made. Korea University in Seoul was the best place to continue my studies at, and TEAN was really helpful with paperwork and making sure everything was prepared properly. They also gave me more opportunities to learn more about the country and introduced me to some of the greatest friends I made while traveling. I would suggest this to anyone who has a desire to learn and travel because it was unquestionably the correct program and location for me. This is ideal for you if you enjoy Korean cuisine, the language, or entertainment, or even if you are just seeking for a place that has a lot of differences from your country.

And if you are also considering Korea University in Seoul, South Korea, here are some suggestions based on my personal experience:
• Study the culture- Understanding the differences in culture is important for traveling and simply being respectful to others, so make sure you’re aware of customs and traditions of the country you are visiting.
• Korea University is a fantastic school, and as a business major, classes can be competitive (most of the business courses are graded in exams and group projects/presentations).
• Bring good walkable shoes, you will need them!
• Bring an umbrella or you might end up buying multiple.
• Public transportation is amazing and TEAN will guide you through it as well.
• Koreans are curious people so if people come up to you or start a conversation, be open minded to them. I was approached multiple times but why were wondering where I was from, curious about what borough me to Korea, and my experiences.
• Save up of course. There’s so much to buy and you will need space in your luggage for all the souvenirs so make sure you have a good financial plan for the time you will be there.

When I first entered university I had a good idea about things I would see and do. Unfortunately, I started the year COVID hit and my college experience has been completely lackluster and miserable. I was beginning to think going to college in general is just a terrible experience. However, I took a chance in my junior year and studied abroad in Seoul. It was everything I imagined college should be like and more. I would 100% recommend taking that leap of faith to study abroad, it will definitely pay off.

I have never been outside in the United States and have honestly lived in the state of Ohio my whole life. So, leaving the country for the first time was extremely nerve-wracking. I could only think about the initial worries of how to migrate through a foreign airport and not knowing a single person arriving.

Though, the TEAN program was very helpful. The amount of details and steps included in the directions per arrival genuinely helped me. I was efficient and arrived in the country where I will be studying for the next four months without majorly freaking out. As someone who struggled with high anxiety. Through the program I have probably met people that I will never forget. The way I want to achieve differently in school, I gained a sort of motivation I was lacking prior. I also went outside of my bubble and made the first move to create friendships. I loved how I was able to improve to be a different version of myself. With a different outlook of things and overcoming my anxieties.

Even simple accomplishments like trying new foods, walking in new areas, and studying in different environments. Being able to adapt and improve my skill-sets is the best opportunity I could have received. Thanks to the program, I received a new love for traveling and hopefully I can go back to Korea soon.

I studied abroad in Korea at Korea University last semester and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made!! I met great people worldwide and honestly, I cannot think of any bad thing in Korea. It almost feels like I was on a vacation to meet new people. TEAN also offered a lot of activities for us and they were all very FUN! I thought people were being dramatic when they talked about their study abroad experiences and it used to bother me a lot. But I see myself only talking about my life in Korea NONSTOP to everyone I meet! 10000% Recommended!

Studying in Seoul through TEAN made a huge impact on my time in Korea! I was helped through the whole process, from getting my visa and setting up appointments for residency to preparing transcripts. TEAN also took care of university housing, which was a huge plus because my friends with other programs spoke about how difficult it was to get housing. There are also fun activities that TEAN organizes that take you to places in Korea you may not have thought to visit such as Nami Island and you can connect with other students and with the staff on these trips. I felt at ease knowing that the Seoul staff was there to help me with any issues that came up while I was abroad.

I truly enjoyed living in Seoul and felt very safe even when walking alone at night, just remember to be aware! The public transportation is amazing, it is very clean and reliable and is usually around $1 per subway/bus ride. Even though Anam (where Korea University is located) isn’t in the center of Seoul having access to Korea’s public transportation system made the huge city of Seoul feel accessible and the journeys never felt very long. I loved hanging out in Myeongdong with my friends going to cafes and eating street food. For me, Myeongdong is the right amount of bustling without being overwhelming like Hongdae can be sometimes.

It can be a bit difficult to adjust to living in a new country but knowing some Korean and making friends makes it a lot easier. I am very glad I decided to go to Korea after two years of learning Korea because I was able to navigate lots of events on my own and it helped boost my confidence every time I could. Being able to make deep friendships with both foreign and local students is something I will forever hold dear and would go abroad again with TEAN.

I had an amazing experience studying abroad with TEAN during Spring 2023. With all of the fun activities TEAN prepared for us like touring Nami Island, going to Busan, and a Han river cruise, I definitely don't regret picking TEAN for my study abroad experience. It was also reassuring knowing that we could contact TEAN staff in Korea basically at any time and the onsite staff is very kind! South Korea is a great destination for study abroad as it's easy to travel around the country with its convenient public transportation and school life there is very dynamic! I would definitely recommend studying abroad in South Korea with TEAN.

Going to Seoul with TEAN made a huge difference with my experience abroad! They help with visa processing, preparing transcripts, setting up our residence appointments, and more. A big plus was that TEAN conducted the housing process, which my non-TEAN peers said was very challenging and competitive. We had so many fun excursions planned out throughout the semester that it made forming friendships very easy, all while knocking things off our bucket lists. Attending university in the Spring, especially Korea University, means so many university events with music festivals being the highlight. The semester builds up to these events through iconic school spirit events such as Korea vs. Yonsei cheer competitions, I would say I feel more school pride for KU than my home university thanks to these events. Seoul has an endless amount of possible activities, from karaoke to making your own jewelry to accessible travel outside the city, one could never get bored here. On average I spent less than $10 for a good quality meal, and transportation was usually $1 per train/bus ride. Getting to Korea can be expensive, but the cost of living definitely makes up for it.