CIEE College Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

I admit I had set the bar really high for my semester in Seoul, but I was not disappointed. It was just as beautiful and exciting as I expected. I didn't realize that Seoul itself had different provinces and that surprised me but made me more excited. When I got to the Collage Campus, I got lost because it was big and a little confusing, however, when I got used to it it was exciting just walking to class and see the changing season. My classes weren't all that hard and even if I had trouble the teachers were really understanding and helpful. I think the only thing that got me was the big language barrier, but I had both friends who could translate and the people would understand and switch to English. I loved my semester here and I would definitely recommend it for anyone who wants to study abroad!

I really loved the program for my chance to get out of my small interconnected school and really see the world. Overtime in South Korea I sincerly developed a love for the nature and experience of being abroad and it wasn't significantly uncomfortable for me to be a minority. Of course, in the beginning I took longer on tasks than I would have in the states but it didn't take long for me to adapt and speed up my ability to function in a completely different society. One of my favorite things to do is identify all the unique plant and wildlife present. Its a lot more intriguing than reading from a textbook and its a unique experience for myself to actually get to see the material I'm learning about. Overall the experience was priceless and I can not wait to travel back!

I came to study abroad in Seoul for Spring of 2019. I had such an amazing experience making new friends and exploring my surroundings with them. I visited many different themed cafes while in Seoul and new foods that I would never have tried back home. I feel that my favorite cafe are the ones I was able to experience with my friends for the first time. Also, a lot of the cafes are cute for trying new drinks and desserts but also for photos!! The staff in my program are all extremely friendly that when I was unable to attend an event I let them know and they would make sure that I was okay. They would also plan many fun activities and experiences to help you adjust to your time in Seoul. They also gave us many opportunities to volunteer and it was fun getting to hang out with both children and teens! It felt like I had a second family here in Seoul that whenever I got homesick I was happy to have them!!

CIEE gave me a support system that many people here did not have. Yonsei does not have good support for international students, so CIEE was a huge help to me whenever I needed help with something (like going to the doctor), and they were always willing to help. It is pricey, but it is worth it in the number of excursions that they organize for you. I was able to go to Busan and stay in a nice hotel with CIEE, all included in the cost. This was especially great because we went during the Busan International Film Festival, and I was able to see a movie there! They also pair you with a Korean student, called a Seoulmate, and they take you on activities as well. My study abroad experience would not have been the same if I had not gone with CIEE. I recommend it to anyone looking to go to Seoul.

This Summer Korean Studies program CIEE offers a wide variety of experiences for students who are inexperienced with studying abroad or traveling in general! Instead of studying abroad alone without guidance, this program provides students the ability to connect with others as well as planned activities and excursions!

When it comes to cultural activities, the program is able to introduce students to cultural diversity in Korea. Many of the excursions and events that are offered by the program are lead by experienced staff members who know there way around Korea. Excursions that were provided in this current program such as temple visits, city exploration, village tours, etc, provided great opportunities for cultural immersion! Through these excursions, I was able to make a variety of friends with other students and staff members.

What's great about this program is that it offers students opportunities to be independent when it comes to exploration! I specifically remember a memory where the program staff allowed my group of friends and I to explore the city of Seoul at the beginning of the program. We were trying to find Gyeongbokgung Palace, but we ended up in Gangnam at a 'royal palace', which was just a hotel due to a mistake my friend made. It was a hilarious, memorable experience since it was my first time using the Seoul subway system. My group ended up going for tacos at the end of the day in Gangnam, but I enjoyed this delightful misadventure!

I recommend students who participate in this program to go outside of their comfort zone and take advantage of opportunities available in this study abroad experience! I've participated in quite a few fun activities in the program, including cultural activities that can be reimbursed by the program! I also recommend students to do research about South Korea and what is offered in this program! There are many things to do in this wonderful country, and it's best if students can plan in advance what they want to do in South Korea!

I was able to meet amazing friends and experience different cultural events throughout the program! These memories will be unforgettable as time passes, and I hope to enjoy more studying abroad experiences like this one in the future!

This is a very good program. This is my first time studying abroad and I already know that I will return to Korea to reach English because of this program. The staff was the most important part of my study abroad experience as they were available to me 24/7. They helped me even with issues I had that were unrelated to the program. 100% would recommend to friends and will be returning to Korea soon.

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!

CIEE was a great study abroad program. It had different events to get the us engaged in the Korean culture. They took us on different excursions to see other parts of South Korea other than Seoul. And gave us tours of places like the DMZ. Through CIEE we got to meet other South Korean students as well and got to see how being a student in South Korea is different than in the US. The university that CIEE connected us with was also very nice. It was nice to be in one of the highlights of Seoul!

Overall, the program was great and I would receommend this program for anyone that wants to study abroad! It makes things much easier and much more convenient!