Hosted by CIEE

CIEE College Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

Name: CIEE College Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea
Brand: CIEE
SKU: 268310
Rating: 4.86 (44 reviews)

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4.86 Rating

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Location

South Korea
- Seoul

Term

Fall, J-Term, Spring, Summer

Subject Areas

Accounting Architecture Astronomy Biology Chemistry Computer Science Cultural Studies Economics Engineering Entrepreneurship Finance Geology History International Business Liberal Arts Life Sciences Marketing Mathematics Media Relations Medicine Nursing Physics Psychology Public Health Sports Science Statistics +16

Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Degree Level

Bachelors

Housing

Dormitory Host Family

Language

English

Pricing

Price Details

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE! Our high-quality programs include tuition, housing, on-site airport pick-up, field trips and cultural activities, 24/7 on-site professional staff, and automatic iNext insurance. There are no hidden charges or surprises when you arrive, and scholarships opportunities are available!

What's Included

Accommodation Some Activities Classes Some Meals Travel Insurance

Last Updated: Jun 06, 2024

Last Reviewed: Aug 03, 2024

Wish List

47 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

The capital and largest city in South Korea, Seoul is a vibrant cultural center filled with museums, religious monuments, parks, markets, festivals, sports teams, and tourist attractions, including the Gyeongbok and Changdeok palaces.

Get to know the city, language, culture, and customs with the help of "Seoul Mate" students trained by CIEE to help with orientation, organize social events, host workshops, and more.

Courses are available in English and Korean.

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Video and Photos

CIEE College Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

CIEE Seoul Mates on a scavenger hunt around the city

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Program Highlights

CIEE Seoul is located on the campus of Yonsei University, less than 20 minutes from downtown Seoul.
Connect with local Korean students through our Seoul Mates program.eo
Discover the meaning of lions in Buddhism at Hwaomsa Temple, exploring tea fields at Mt. Chirisan, watching the drama of mask-dance unfold at Hahoe Village in Andong.
Take advantage of our Cultural Reimbursement program, designed to support you while you see movies, traditional performances, and visit museums and heritage sites.
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer.

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Program Reviews

4.86 Rating

based on 44 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Study

5 rating 86.36%
4 rating 13.64%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.1
Support 4.8
Fun 4.9
Housing 4.4
Safety 4.9

Good for Students, Foodies, Adventure travelers

Showing 1 - 8 of 44 reviews

Studying abroad in Seoul has been an insightful and unforgettable experience! There will be trials and tribulations but overcoming them has contributed a lot to my experience and I don't regret it.

So grateful to the CIEE and its incredible staff for organizing everything and giving students a smooth transition to academic life!

I would suggest buying your school supplies, water filters (you'll need one), and clothes here. I also recommend living in the SK Global dorm as opposed to Woojungwon.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

My most nerve-wracking moment was definitely losing my phone a week before we were set to leave. Thankfully I managed to get one at a store (which was difficult but we still managed) and was able to pull through!

Pros

I was able to immerse myself in Korean culture and history.
The length of the program was perfect for me to explore and see everything I wanted to.
Yonsei is located at a convenient area in Seoul where most places are within a 1 hour distance.

Cons

People stare. A LOT. This can make you feel very self-conscious at times.
The language barrier is sometimes difficult to navigate.
People can feel a bit predatory towards foreigners sometimes.

Hello, my name is Alesandra Lopez. I came to Korea because I love reading manhwas and listening to k-pop. Little did I know how much there truly was do to in Korea. From the cafes to the markets. There’s always something to do, and it’s always fun. The classes depends on the professors. I will say Korean Language classes are really hard and are jam packed with studying. Plus the professors can’t speak English which makes it ten times harder. Other than that this experience was a 10/10, would do again!

What would you improve about this program?

If I could improve something it would be the language professors and the course itself. I felt it was too fast paced and the professors not speaking English didn’t help.

Pros

New country
New friends
New experiences

Cons

Language class
Long classes

I had an amazing time Seoul. One of the many reasons I enjoyed my trip was the gain of independence I got by traveling alone here. The city is safe and many people are kind. I was also able to enhance my Korean as many people are kind enough to let you practice and many people also know a little English to help you get by. I had peace walking neighborhoods without a plan or if I was in the area to get food and just walked around. I also have to eat mostly a plant based diet due to a disease I have and I thought “hmm Korea has many fried, meat based, and milk based foods…this will be hard.” But there are actually SO many vegan restaurants. Some fancy, and some with a really good price. And if you have a sweet tooth, there are many vegan desserts. My personal favorite is Veganique in sinchon.

What was your funniest moment?

My funniest moment was going to Dong-Myo flea market when I walked into a vintage shop and one of the workers came up to a group of us and said we were all beautiful. I’m convinced it was a trap to buy something from the store….and I fell for it !! Overall they were all very kind and funny!

Pros

Walkable City
Never get bored
Easy transportation

Cons

A lot of walking which can get tiring after a while !
Soooo much food to try not enough money 😮

I had a really amazing time during this program. CIEE seoulmate program was very helpful in making Korean friends and getting to know the area better. I definitely got out of my comfort zone and was able to become more confident and independent. Yonsei was a great school with a beautiful campus, but if you go during the summer definitely be ready for the heat and humidity! This is an experience I will be cherishing for a long time and was a great decision to explore and get to know my own culture and language more.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

Navigating Seoul by myself was kind of scary at first, but using kakao map or naver map is a must. If you aren’t familiar with buses or subways already then it might be really challenging. Just be confident and trust how you feel.

Pros

Exploration
Language learning
independence

I absolutely loved this program. The staff at CIEE were incredibly helpful before, during, and after the program. There were many options in choosing classes and many activities to participate in with your fellow study abroad peers. Studying at Yonsei University was also amazing in that the location was incredibly convenient and the campus was beautiful. There were so many things to do in the surrounding city of Sinchon and the staff communicated well with participants about internship, volunteer, and extracurricular activities we could participate in. All together it has been an incredible experience and I would whole heartedly recommend both this program and others hosted by CIEE.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

The most nerve-racking moments came when I would speak to locals in the native language. I had studied it for 10 years prior to my participation in the program, however, using it in a natural environment is pretty intimidating. I was able to overcome this obstacle by frequently putting myself in postions of having to use the native language. By doing this I became more comfortable and more confident and I am glad I got to experience this and work outside my comfort zone.

Pros

Seoul is a big city and you never get bored
The staff on this program is amazing, responsive, and supportive
Classes are interesting and Professors are very kind

Cons

University isn’t amazing at incorporating visiting students

My experience with CIEE was truly unforgettable. The program facilitated my travels and provided unwavering support across various aspects of my journey—academics, social connections, and practical advice. The on-site staff was accommodating, ensuring I settled in smoothly and addressing all my needs and concerns with prompt solutions.

Through CIEE, I formed lasting friendships with people worldwide, tried delicious cuisine, and explored some of the most fascinating destinations. As a Korean American, I gained profound insights into Korea's history and culture, learning to immerse myself respectfully and become a well-rounded global citizen.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

The most nerve-wracking moments were when I had to converse with the locals using my limited Korean. It was daunting to build up the confidence, especially when I received mixed reactions from people who couldn't understand me. Initially, I tried to avoid speaking or engaging in public interactions to avoid using Korean at all costs. However, as time went on, I gradually built up my confidence by persistently practicing. It eventually became easier and easier. Although it remains intimidating at times, I see myself changing and growing more confident in myself each day. I have been traveling alone and often receive compliments on my Korean.

Pros

Making new global friendships
Self identity and finding myself
Career development

Cons

Budgeting
Health concerns
Limited support

I wanted to come to Korea solely to learn Korean. I am Korean-American and was never formally taught Korean as a child. The Korean Language Institution at Yonsei held amazing classes and improved my Korean immensely. If it wasn't for CIEE's wide network and accessibility at so many schools nationwide, I would never have found out about this opportunity. They also provided me with seamless off-campus housing and always made sure we knew they were there to help at anytime.
Seoul is such a unique city, with an infinite number of restaurants to try on every block AND so many beautiful hikes within an hour away to get away from the bustling city.

What was your funniest moment?

My funniest moment was when a server at a restaurant gave my friend a fork because she was struggling with her chopsticks. My friend didn't ask for a fork, but the server saw her struggling and genuinely wanted to help her out. My friend was a little offended that the server thought she needed that much help, but upon reflection appreciated his generosity. It was so funny for the rest of us at the table!!

Pros

Cafe and eating-out culture
Low living cost
City and mountain life, so many hikes!

Cons

Late ARC registration delayed travelling to other countries

The people, in general, were the strongest part of the program. The staff was engaging, helpful, and friendly and the students I met were all wonderful. The courses were reasonably challenging, about on par with my home university. The campus itself is gorgeous; the local students are all very friendly as well and I had no problems making friends/connections with Korean students and professors. CIEE's extracurricular excursions were great too, they did a good job of simultaneously leading us and giving us room for independence.

Pros

Seoul is a wonderful city
Yonsei is a good university
helpful staff

Cons

dorm living was average at best

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because it was the closest to my major as possible. My Major for College is in Sociology and Anthropology with a focus on Archaeology. I have also really wanted to learn more about Asian countries and cultures.

It was suggested for me to study in this program and the only place that really interested me was South Korea, so I applied. I am so happy I did because it has been the greatest time of my life.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My home University helped with beginning the process of applying and what to expect. They gave us a seminar where we had alumni of other programs who have or were about to either study abroad or to part-time work abroad. We got to listen to their experience and what we might experience and what to look out for.

What I had to organize on my own was my air travel, getting all the information needed for the program, and making sure I was up to date with the laws of the country and culture.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I wish I had thought to bring two suitcases. It might not seem like it, but you will accumulate a lot of things once you get here. Be it souvenirs or clothes, it will accumulate faster than you realize.

I would also suggest budgeting your money. Only buy things that you know you can afford at the time and save up whenever you can.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average Friday to Saturday consists of school and going out. Friday was when classes were still in session. I went to class, took notes and then went back to my room and then did assignments and other work on my laptop until just around 6 pm or so. Afterward, I would go out with one or two friends and we would try and get lost. We would then get dinner or just look around the main cities.

On Saturdays, we had some activity we could sign up for. One time we had a k-pop dance class, which was an awesome experience.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I think my biggest fear would have been being too scared to start up a conversation with others in the same program. It's a little nerve-wracking when you don't know anyone and are somewhat of an introvert and are made to interact with people. I overcame it by befriending my roommate and then meeting others during when we had overnight excursions or class or even during the activities that were put together.

What memory will you cherish the most?

I can definitely say that every memory and every friend I will cherish.

Every person, every activity and every event that happened has changed me and made me a better person. I wouldn't change anything or redo anything that has happened. Even with these memories, it doesn't compare to the real thing and that without being here, these memories wouldn't be here either.

I will miss everyone I have made friends with and will cherish the memories that I have made.

Shivanie Rambaran

2018 Alum

About CIEE

A nonprofit, non-governmental organization, CIEE is the world leader in international study and exchange programs. For more than 75 years, CIEE has helped thousands of students, professionals, and educators gain the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world by offering the most...