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Eager to step into the footsteps of a college student who studied abroad in South Korea? We recently caught up with Sabi from Seattle Pacific University, an international business major who studied abroad in Seoul during the spring semester.
Discover how Sabi’s study abroad experience with AIFS Abroad helped him advance his degree and learn Korean.
Deciding Where & When to Study Abroad
With amazing AIFS Abroad programs located in exciting cities around the world, it’s not always easy to choose where to study abroad. Hear Sabi explain how he made the decision to study abroad in Seoul and why he’s so glad he did:
“Originally, I wanted to go to Tokyo, Japan, but was limited by the selection that my school offered… However, Seoul was a hidden treasure for me because I didn’t know I was going to love it more than I did Japan. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking to go to Asia, who loves tech, business, and lifestyle (makeup, K-pop, etc.), and doesn’t want to be crowded by many [other] foreigners… Also, if you want a safe country and are willing to try something new, then this is the program for you.”
Can’t decide when to study abroad? With semester long and short-term programs offered year-round by AIFS Abroad, it’s easy to pick one that aligns with your personal preferences and academic track. Here’s why Sabi chose to go abroad during the spring semester:
“I went during the [spring semester], which started in February and ended in June. I chose it because I wanted to start later in the school year, like October, but Korea [has a different semester system]. I landed during low tourism but gradually saw more and more people towards the springtime (April-June). I think I had the best of both worlds because it went from 0 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees, closer to the end of my trip. The school festival was also more enjoyable because it was warmer, but it was during peak rain season, which caused a delay in the festival, but it was so worth it.”
University Experience Abroad
Studying abroad is a wonderful way to advance your degree in a fresh learning environment. You can take courses from professors with unique cultural perspectives, make friends with other students from across the world, and gain a new outlook on your studies and life in general. Hear Sabi describe his experience at Sogang University in Seoul:
“I studied at Sogang University and I loved it. It’s a relatively small school compared to its neighbor Yonsei and Ewha, but the location is so convenient—10 minutes from Hongdae and quite literally in the middle of Seoul… [There’s a] wide mix [of people at the university], but you’ll find your group really fast.”
Sabi took the following four classes at Sogang University:
- Management Information Systems (Monday & Wednesday)
- Korean Language (Monday & Wednesday)
- International Relations (Wednesday & Friday)
- Judgement & Decision Making (Wednesday & Friday)
Language Learning
AIFS Abroad participants are not required to speak or learn a second language to study abroad. However, Sabi used the opportunity to take a Korean Language course and furthered his language learning outside of class by making friends with locals. Below, he explains what it was like learning the language and navigating communication barriers:
“For the most part, Koreans know a lot of English… I learned [a lot of] Korean with my friends talking and listening… everyone was so nice and willing to help me. No one laughed at me for my mistakes, but I would also ask for help in pronouncing [words]. I knew little to no Korean before I [arrived], and now I can listen to easy conversations and get the gist of things. To learn the language fast, you have to really step out of your comfort zone and just speak and mess up. Talk your ear off if you need to but also give yourself time to process and learn things too.”
Cultural Appreciation
South Korean culture is very different than American culture, and while these differences can take some getting used to, Sabi grew to appreciate them:
“I really enjoyed the hierarchy [in South Korea], treating your elders with respect and talking to any new stranger with formal greetings and words—[it was] so nice and made me feel like a local. I also like to joke around with my younger friends to fill my water or to give me things because I was the oldest in the group.”
Housing
Housing is included in all AIFS Abroad programs. Sabi stayed in a dorm on campus, which was ideally located and very secure, as he explains:
“I slept in [Sogang] University’s dorms and they were great. The location was perfect and the lifestyle around the building brings in so many people. There is a lot of security like scanning your card to even get into your room so you could never just run out of the building without your phone… Overall it was super fun, and you get used to it.”
Making Friends Abroad
Many students who study abroad on their own are eager to make connections. While setting out by yourself can be daunting, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make friends with other students in your program, along with locals in your host city. Hear Sabi describe his experience making a lifelong friend in Seoul:
“I made a really good friend while abroad and I think he’ll be a lifelong friend. We did almost everything together so most of my memories [are] with him.”
Exploring Local Cuisine
One of the most fun benefits of studying abroad is getting to sample all of the local flavors. South Korea is well-known for its delectable cuisine, especially its sweet and savory street food. As Sabi explains, the food in South Korea is delicious and affordable:
“[It’s easy to] eat cheap, you don’t have to go to fancy restaurants every day, the food is always good anywhere you go… I tried too many foods to mention them all, but my favorite was samgyeopsal (Pork Belly) and fishcake udon… By far the most visited place was called Sammi Tantanmyeon for their tiger chicken.”
Personal Growth
The lessons you learn when you study abroad go far beyond the classroom. Often, these experiences teach you how to be more independent and provide tools on how to overcome personal problems—helping you grow as a person and preparing you for life after graduation. Hear Sabi speak about some of the ways he grew during his study abroad program in Seoul:
“I learned how to appreciate what’s around me. Everyone in Korea is so ‘go go go,’ but since I don’t live there and it’s different [for me as a study abroad student], I get to enjoy [the moment]… When I got back home, [I realized] how much home has changed and I see [it with a new perspective]. I went on a run back at home, and I realized that I never ran once willingly in my own little town, and it was nice to see things up close.”
Why AIFS Abroad?
From supportive on-site staff to our included trips and excursions, there are countless reasons college students and young professionals choose AIFS Abroad. Below, Sabi explains that he went with AIFS Abroad because of our easy and supportive application process, along with our competitive pricing:
“I had never heard of AIFS before… I found a flyer at my school. I had studied abroad in Spain previously [with a different provider], and when I [signed] up through AIFS, the process was easier and almost the same price, if not cheaper. I chose AIFS because of how easy and how willing they were to work with me, and the price as well… Everyone was super helpful and fast to reply to me… [they] always answered me and helped me ASAP.”
Are you ready to take the leap and study abroad like Sabi did in Seoul, South Korea with AIFS Abroad? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. Our programs come with many valuable inclusions (which really take the stress out of planning!), such as housing, cultural and social activities, trips and excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more. When you choose AIFS Abroad, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience.
