Summer in Asia - Japan & South Korea

I had the opportunity to study abroad in both Japan and South Korea through CIS Abroad, and the two experiences were very different. 🇯🇵 Japan (J.F. Oberlin University) – ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ The sustainability class at J.F. Oberlin was excellent—engaging, informative, and definitely a highlight of the trip. However, there were several downsides: our housing was an hour from campus, no transportation stipend was provided, and CIS staff on-site were not very helpful, especially when I needed a TB skin test (which was not mentioned before the trip). The hotel conditions were poor, and overall, the experience felt disorganized. 🇰🇷 South Korea (Sogang University) – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10) South Korea was amazing from the moment we arrived. The CIS staff greeted us at the airport, brought us to our dorms (right next to our classrooms!), and gave a proper orientation along with Sogang University. We got welcome kits, participated in fun group activities (including a night at the beach!), and were surrounded by Seoul’s top attractions. Free food from both CIS and Sogang was a huge plus. The entire experience was well-organized, fun, and immersive.

On this program made amazing friends and memories that I will hold close to my heart. I loved the school in Japan as well as in Korea. Professors were always very helpful and understanding. The program leaders were not always the most helpful they tried their best but felt they were lost half the time. I would recommend 10/10 just be ready to also be flexaible and be able to embrace change .

From the moment I learned about study abroad, I knew I wanted to participate in a program once I started college. The opportunity to not just travel to another part of the world but learn and earn credits while doing so was incredibly appealing. When I learned about the CIS Abroad Summer in Asia - Japan & South Korea program, I immediately applied, since visiting Japan was on my bucket list. Thankfully, I was accepted into the two-month program, which resulted in one of the best summers of my life. I met so many unique, smart, and kind people - some of whom I still keep in touch with today! | experienced new traditions, activities, music, and fashion; tried new foods and navigated my way around using public transportation. Studying abroad also helped me gain new knowledge, not only at the academic level, but on personal one as well. It allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and see the world through a different global perspective.