The Adventure of a Lifetime!

CIEE Study Abroad Review
I highly, highly, highly recommend the CIEE study abroad program! This program gave me the adventure that I yearned for for years! The program also immersed me into Korean culture on the first days of arriving in Seoul, South Korea. As an Academic Year Participant from 2017 to 2018, I have experienced traditional Hanok villages in Jeonju and Namwon, relaxed at a four-star hotel overlooking the hustle-and-bustle of Busan locals while being located ten minutes from Haeundae Beach, gone to the first island I have ever visited at Jeungdo, and so much more. My favorite of these excursions overall was taking the convenient KTX train to Jeungdo Island.
Two years before coming to Korea, the majority of what I watched were repeated episodes of my favorite variety show, “2 Days and 1 Night”. This variety show consists of members whom educate the viewer about the tourist attractions and history of South Korea and the natural beauty that this country is renowned for. This show was one of the many reasons why I came to Korea. Where I am from, there is very little entertaining activities to do. If I wanted to travel, it would require days of planning and also very long distances to cross. “2 Days and 1 Night” had me longing for adventurous locations to experience. Jeungdo Island was actually advertised on the show. The CIEE program gave me this opportunity in an effortless and stressless manner. I was able to experience much of what the members had, such as, walking through the ocean waters bare-foot, scraping salt and eating salt ice cream, hunting for seashells, slipping and sliding on the mud flats while the ocean crabs watched me fall, and tasting the organic, fresh, and healthy foods of the island. I never ate so many unique seaweed, which was surprisingly delicious!
Instead of wishing to experience these activities through a laptop screen from videos on Youtube, CIEE gave me this rare opportunity to take part in the activities in person that my favorite “2 Days and 1 Night” members introduced me to. It will be very difficult to leave South Korea because of its many conveniences and popular attractions, but I know that one day I will return again to continue the adventures that come with living here in Korea. CIEE gave me a sneak-peek of what is yet to come and I thank each person and the caring and organized staff who took part in giving me this rare opportunity. Thank you so much CIEE!!!
For future participants, I advise to take the leap and study abroad! The process getting there many be intimidating, but all that you learn, whether good or bad, is definitely worth it. Going abroad will teach you more about yourself as well as the people and culture of your host country. Please do not miss this adventurous and life changing opportunity!