High School Study Abroad in South Korea

Set goals

Before heading to a study abroad program in South Korea, students should set clear goals and aspirations—here are some basics to get started.

• Academics are the first and foremost reason for going! Pick out some specific material or habits you’d like to focus on intentionally to refine while there.
• The other main focus is that you’ll be in a new environment. Find or research a specific part of South Korean culture to connect with. Anything from language to food to music, and more is fair game—anything that naturally interests you can help you connect quicker!
• Learning, or broadening your language skills could be a great goal! It can help you foster greater relationships.
• Take the time to figure out what you personally want to achieve during your time in South Korea. Traveling and studying abroad makes you inherently grow, a simple goal could be to journal while there and take time to reflect on how you’ve changed from the beginning to the end.

Understand the benefits

Studying abroad in South Korea as a high schooler offers lots of benefits:

• Cultural excitement. You’ll be able to experience firsthand South Korea’s rich heritage and modern lifestyle. Beyond that, South Korean culture is known for its friendliness—so be prepared to make some friends!
• Educational excellence. South Korea’s education system is highly regarded—so you’ll be met with some great academic courses and projects.
• Learning language. While Korean is the main spoken language, other widely known and spoken languages are Japanese, Mandarin, and English, making for a great place to flex your skills.

Things to know

Wherever you head in South Korea, there are some general basics any high school student should know about.

• Visa and paperwork requirements - Always check with your program for up-to-date visa and paperwork requirements for South Korea, as the need for these may vary depending on the length of your stay.
• Cultural etiquette - t's common for students to bow to teachers and elders as a sign of respect, and schools usually have strict policies against wearing makeup, dyeing hair, or using accessories, but check with your program for specific guidelines.
• Safety measures - Preparing a backup plan for important things like money and paperwork is a good precaution to take before your trip.
• Cost of living and accommodations - High school students usually stay with vetted host families or in dormitories, and while South Korea can be expensive, program costs often cover housing and activities, so budgeting beforehand is important.

South Korea has several vibrant cities that are ideal for high schoolers studying abroad. A few of them are:

Seoul

As the capital city, Seoul is a hub of culture, technology, and education, making it an excellent destination for students interested in a dynamic urban experience​. There’s a great public transportation system to hit great shops, fun activities, and sights!

Busan

Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural scene, Busan provides a more relaxed environment compared to Seoul. It’s ideal for students who appreciate nature and slower-paced urban life​​. In between stops at different beaches, markets, and temples look out for some great Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Soup) to refuel!

Incheon

Incheon, with its close proximity to Seoul, offers a blend of urban and coastal experiences, perfect for students looking for a diverse environment. There’s a great art scene and plenty of parks and other free or cheap activities in Incheon!

Figuring out what you’d like to study can be a little difficult when choosing to study abroad in high school. Remember any experience in South Korea you’ll be met with great academics and unforgettable experiences.

Experiential learning

In an experiential learning program, students engage directly with the culture, technology, and educational strengths of the region. This hands-on approach enhances learning outcomes and fosters personal growth through real-world experiences, making education more impactful and memorable. Make sure to check in with appropriate staff members and program coordinators about the accreditations.

Language immersion

Heading off to immerse yourself in Korean is thrilling, exciting, and incredibly beneficial! It’s a great step for any future professional plans with South Korea being in the top 20 world economies. The country fosters an ideal environment for learning, with great academics and friendly locals, making it a great place for a language immersion program.

Student exchange

One of the most common and traditional focuses high school students lean towards is student exchange. The program allows for a structured yet immersive educational experience. This format promotes deep cultural exchange and language acquisition, providing students with a basic yet thorough understanding of global perspectives and enhancing their adaptability and communication skills in a diverse setting.

You may feel overwhelmed by everything required to study in South Korea, but don’t panic. Here’s a simple rundown of what you need to do:

1. Get matched

Use resources like our Online Advisor to find programs that match your educational and personal goals. Using our Advisor, personalized results will be sent straight to your inbox!

2. Choose a program

Next, take a look at the programs and focuses that interest you! That can help find options that will serve you best. Sign up for or log in to a MyGoAbroad account to save and compare your leads side-by-side.

3. Choose how long to stay

Deciding on how long to stay can be another challenge for many students! Don’t be afraid to choose something that looks different than others—make sure the time frame works for you.

• 1-12 weeks. There are various courses spanning up to 12 weeks time. This option works well for someone interested in an introduction to South Korea, who has a busy academic schedule or is looking for a program during a break.
• 3-12 months. Students can opt for programs ranging anywhere within this period. It’s a great opportunity to study in a more immersive experience and get a deeper feeling of the country.
• 1-2 years. For those looking for an even deeper immersion option, these programs are for you. It’s great for anyone who already has some intentions or goals career-wise and knows that a second language will be beneficial to them.

4. Funding & scholarships

Look for scholarships or funding opportunities specifically available for high school programs in South Korea. If you’d like some help, fill out our scholarship and deals application to see what’s available.

5. Apply

Once you’ve applied to a few programs, a program coordinator will be in touch with the next steps.

6. Get your essentials

Arrange and apply for your passport and visa, book your flight, and buy travel insurance after you’ve been accepted and long before your departure date.