CIEE Summer Korean Studies in Seoul, Korea

I would recommend this program to everyone because of its freedom and unique flexibility to build your own schedule and see and live in more than once place around the world for an extended period of time.

I would definitely recommend because I was able to meet so many other international students through CIEE even outside my open block program and hear more experiences. Also the CIEE activities were very enjoyable and memorable.

CIEE is very accommodating, and makes sure you have the proper pre-departure information needed to succeed. They also give many scholarships and accommodate many majors. The staff are very kind and make the experience of Seoul easier.

I liked that cultural activities were embedded into the schedule of the duration I was in my country. i liked the resources CIEE offered, for example I broke my phone and a CIEE staff helped me get it fixed.

Overall Educational Experience: During my time abroad, I spent 6 weeks at Yonsei University. The professors spoke Korean and English equally and were very flexible with the 6 week semester. There were several libraries/study areas around the campus and the majority of textbooks/ebooks were free. Host Country Program Administration: Yonsei and CIEE staff could be found quite easily. CIEE staff had their own office at Yonsei University and Yonsei staff was also on duty- day and night at the dormitory. All of these staff members were helpful and would find the answer to questions that would arise. What to do for fun? CIEE had planned out several activities and excursions for us each week. Aside from this, you will have plenty of time to adventure out on your own/with friends. Housing: I will note that CIEE has nothing to do with how clean the dormitories are. I resided in a single-room dorm, which was smaller than expected but worked for me. Within my room, I had a twin bed, which was very, very hard and left my back very sore. After some time, my back adjusted and I got used to it. There was a desk with plenty of shelf room and a wardrobe closet, again, with plenty of room. A plus of the single room is that you get a mini fridge which I appreciated greatly. The bathroom is a wet bathroom, so I would advise you to wear sandals when you step into it, and also to keep your feet clean. The shower was always nice and hot. The cleanliness of the room was decent, but not thorough. We were told to clean our rooms before we left, and I suspect that is what the last students did, so some areas were missed. Food: At the entry-level of the dormitory, there was a convenience store filled with goodies and 3 restaurants. I believe one was a burger place, another was a pork cutler place, and another was a soup place. I really enjoyed the burger place. I recommend the Western burger. If none of those suit your appetite, there is a number of convenience stores and restaurants on campus. Let's not forget that you can find many more restaurants and grocery stores just across the street. Social/Cultural Integration: I was a guest, and my country was not my host. This means, just because I came to visit, it does not make them my host. I was to remain aware of my actions because one thing that is considered normal in my country, may come off as rude in another. I educated myself on the social etiquette of the country I was visiting beforehand. You do not want to stand out. You want to blend in, and because I educated myself, I did blend in quite nicely. Aside from this, while the language barrier did cause some problems as I am not fluent, I did not worry too much as many places had kiosks that had an English option- this made purchasing items a breeze. On top of this, as noted above, CIEE provided many activities and excursions that allowed students to work together and encouraged them to interact with the locals and explore the area. Healthcare: I became ill during my study abroad, and with South Korea's guidelines for COVID, I had to be tested. I first emailed a CIEE staff member asking for advice. She directed me to the on-campus clinic, where I was seen, asked about my symptoms, and tested for COVID, all for free. There were some language barrier problems, but it was sorted out. I was given 3 types of medication pills and was told how to take them. I paid for those there and went on my way. I cannot compare this clinic to my home clinic at my University as I've only been once and that was to get an ice pack, but what I do know, is that there is no fee when you visit my University's clinic as it is already paid for when you paid toward your tuition. Safety: Yonsei University seemed like a very safe place, even when it's in the heart of a large and busy city. South Korea is a safe place in general, so I was never worried. In the dormitory, there was always a Yonsei staff member in the lobby to watch those who enter and leave. There was only one way to enter the area that takes you to the stairs/elevators, and you could only enter this area after your temperature was checked and your card was swiped. Separate floors separated the sexes. There were never males and females residing on the same floor. And to enter your room, you would have to tap your key card (kind of like a hotel). There is no jaywalking whatsoever. There are many safe places to cross at, so never attempt to do so elsewhere because while the city is relatively safe, drivers can be careless. Keep an eye out for bicycles and motorbikes of any kind. They WILL drive them on the sidewalk where people walk, so be aware of your surroundings. I have even seen them drive them on the pedestrian crosswalks. They're not supposed to, but again, you must remain aware. How did I afford it? Apply for scholarships!!! The sooner you do it, the better because it is a process. Look into your school and program resources, they will usually have a list of scholarships that will help you. Your GPA not high? Do not let that stop you! Not all scholarships look at GPA. The scholarship that allowed me to study abroad is the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship. This scholarship is exclusive to students who receive the Pell Grant. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship gives a voice to those who have been underrepresented: The minority, the disabled, first-generation college students, etc. Gilman looks at what makes you unique and what makes you do what you do. They want to know what obstacles you have overcome. This is the scholarship that wants to hear how you have blossomed and wants to be the one to give you that extra push. Money should never stop a student from learning. If you have any questions about this scholarship or any others, please get with your college/university as they can assist you with this. Would I do it again? Absolutely. It was definitely worthwhile. While the trip cost a pretty penny, the impact on my character and life is priceless. Tip: Save your receipts and carry your passport everywhere with you! Many stores offer tax-free goods if you purchase so much (I think it is over 25,000 won?), and they will need your passport to give you that discount. If they do not offer it, save your receipts and it can be done at the airport. This is mainly for items you plan to take back home: clothing, shoes, and gifts.

CIEE has really changed my life! I can really tell that the South Korea Seoul team really put in a lot of thought and effort into making this trip full of fun cultural memories and experiences that will benefit our growth.

I have already recommended CIEE to friends because I believe CIEE does a very, very good job of getting everyone acclimated to their whereabouts and giving us good resources to use for any occasion. They also cover a large amount of fees, making it more enjoyable for the student. CIEE is very welcoming, and it is something I will never forget.

If you're worried about finding housing or things to do, CIEE has that all covered for you. Before and during the program, you're able to experience the country outside of the campus in a way that is sometimes typically tourist-y and in ways that help you feel more like a local.

CIEE made it possible for me to study abroad where it may never have been due to financial reasons and my schools lack of study abroad knowledge. CIEE helped us through every step of the way and has an extremely kind staff who made the experience a smooth and easy one.

It was an extremely good way to get to study abroad while not having to handle all the details on my own. I really enjoyed the trip and CIEE has a lot of study abroad options. If my friends wanted to go abroad, but didn't know how, I would recommend going through CIEE.

CIEE has really changed my life! I can really tell that the South Korea Seoul team really put in a lot of thought and effort into making this trip full of fun cultural memories and experiences that will benefit our growth.

I have already recommended CIEE to friends because I believe CIEE does a very, very good job of getting everyone acclimated to their whereabouts and giving us good resources to use for any occasion. They also cover a large amount of fees, making it more enjoyable for the student. CIEE is very welcoming, and it is something I will never forget.

It was an extremely good way to get to study abroad while not having to handle all the details on my own. I really enjoyed the trip and CIEE has a lot of study abroad options. If my friends wanted to go abroad, but didn't know how, I would recommend going through CIEE.

I had a great time through the program! The week before classes started was intensive, but super helpful to help me get adjusted to the country. All the people in charge of the program were also very accessible and helpful.

I would tell my peers how important it was having an orientation prior to the program, which CIEE facilitated. It helped me develop connections with the Korean culture, easily meet new people, and help prepare me for the semester.

CIEE made it possible for me to study abroad where it may never have been due to financial reasons and my schools lack of study abroad knowledge. CIEE helped us through every step of the way and has an extremely kind staff who made the experience a smooth and easy one.

If you're worried about finding housing or things to do, CIEE has that all covered for you. Before and during the program, you're able to experience the country outside of the campus in a way that is sometimes typically tourist-y and in ways that help you feel more like a local.

This trip has helped me find my on sense of confidence and assurance and ability to be comfortable in many situations out of my comfort zone. The people are amazing and understanding, and I felt so cared for that I would absolutely recommend this programs. Especially to first-time study aboard students!!

It is a very unique and in depth experience. The extra week we had to learn more about Korea and bond with the other people on our program made transitioning into school much easier. The extra activities provide for us were wonderful and the staff was great and very helpful!

The program takes 100 high school and 75 college students to S. Korea to try and establish a better cultural perception of South Korea. I was involved in the high school program where we were taught the language and stayed with a family for a weekend. The program has virtually no cost, which is great for a broke student. and it gave me at least a real vast knowledge for the language people and the country.

Program director was unprofessional and unqualified. Program Administration: Program Director was unprofessional and unqualified.