USAC Korea: Gwangju - Undergraduate Courses

I made friends from different countries, tried to learn a new language, experienced life in a different country, & experienced a different academic environment. Though all I can do is order food in Korean, it was a good language immersion. Also I felt a bit lonely being the only Christian from my country, I did get to attend a few church services.

I chose to go to Gwangju for two reasons: tuition was cheaper for an entire year compared to a single semester in Seoul, and I wanted greater language immersion and an authentic cultural experience. It was worth it in every way for me! Staying in Korea for a year helped me reach my goal of becoming conversational in Korean, and living in a less-touristy city gave me more opportunities to practice the language, meet locals, and experience authentic Korean culture. While there were some challenges because of living in a less-touristy city, every one of them was worth it.

I spent my spring 2025 semester in Yeosu! For the first time in my life I was going out into the world alone and I wouldn’t have done it without USAC! I chose the Korean intensive program in Yeosu with Chonnam National University and I had so much fun and definitely improved my Korean skills! At the beginning of the program i could barely speak in Korean but by the end of the program I was talking with the elders on the streets in Seoul! I’m very proud of how much I’ve grown in Yeosu. The coordinators Choi Eunyoung and Ma Gahee were the best! Through everything they helped from health insurance to just adapting to the new environment.

I loved being able to go to Gwangju last summer! I met so many people from around the world, and have made so many connections with people I never would have been introduced to had I not studied abroad here. I really enjoyed Chonnam's campus, and how it reflects the recent history of the democratic uprising that took place in Gwangju in the 1980s.I like that CNU has a buddy system program built in where students at Chonnam help international students navigate the campus and Korea. I still keep in touch with my CNU buddies :) I am so grateful to my home university in the US, Chonnam University in Gwangju, and USAC for helping me achieve my dream of studying abroad in Korea, making friends from around the world, and experiencing life in another country :)

When I arrive here in South Korea, I was very nervous yet happy to be here! Everything here is a cultural shock. However, you’ll learn to adapt around and explore out of your comfort zone. While studying abroad, take the time to explore to different cities nearby or faraway. Try out the cultural foods here! Learn about the history here! Everything that I listed is what I have been doing so far. Of course, when you’re feeling overwhelmed while being abroad, take a mental break and relax.

I'm two months out from my last day in South Korea and it's been the best time!! Having the opportunity to study abroad has been life-changing and an experience I will never forget - I've seen and learned so much since being here that the year has flown on by. I've spent my time in the historic Gwangju at Chonnam National University and have made lifelong friends. I learned how to navigate the transportation system, have spent my time exploring the city, and have taken multiple day trips and a short multi-day trip to other parts of the country. South Korea is an amazing country, one that I am so happy to have studied in and enjoyed for my yearlong program!!

Studying in Gwangju was one of the most challenging and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. At the beginning, nearly everything seemed scary and hard, but I had to keep trying, figuring out one thing and then the next. This experience helped me overcome fear and learn how to handle challenges, growing me into a more confident person who is willing to try things! I now have friends from all over the world, not only in South Korea but also many other exchange students! Studying abroad helped me experience a beautiful new culture, discover its history, and practice a new language. As challenging as studying abroad is, you will never regret the experience, the lessons it teaches, and the friends you make.

I am so glad I was able to have the opportunity to study abroad in South Korea! I’ve always dreamt of moving and teaching English in South Korea after graduating from college. But to be able to study abroad before graduating was so amazing and I encourage anyone to take the leap of traveling to a new country and learning a new culture and language. During my process of applying for my study abroad program and getting to South Korea was easy because of all the help I received from my advisors they made it so much less stressful than I thought it would be they were always there helping me in anyway I needed. I am so glad I chose the Yeosu campus in Gwangju I felt it was the perfect program for my goals when I do graduate because I wanted to focus on learning the language which I did in the intensive language program. All of my teachers were sooo amazing and kind and I’m so grateful for them for pushing and helping me in learning the language and even just being a friend to talk to. The GEC advisors/program were so kind and created so many new experiences for us exchange students. I definitely would encourage anyone to study abroad even though it might seem scary being in a new country it was the best decision I ever made and am so glad I met and made so many new friends.

I studied abroad with this program summer after my junior year of undergrad and it was one of the best decisions I could have ever made. The process was easy and I never felt like I was in over my head thanks to the support from USAC, and the month that I was there was filled with such genuine experiences I wouldn't trade it for the world. I still keep in touch with some of the people I met while there and I wish I could have stayed longer!

The scenic national parks, the busy traditional markets, the historic landmarks, and the international friendships are what make Gwangju a special place to study abroad. Visiting various places , including Seoul and Busan, gave me incredible opportunities to experience Korea's food, traditions, and beauty.

In Fall 2022, I was given the best opportunity to study at Chonnam National University for the Yeosu intensive language program. My goal for studying abroad was to learn as much of the language as I could. USAC helped me achieve that by directing me towards the language program in Yeosu. There couldn’t have been a better option for me! The program was amazing and so well planned out. Living in an area where less people spoke English was intimidating at first; however, I realized that there are so many kind and understanding people outside of my own country. There are also so many resources out there that a language barrier is not really even an issue. I had so much fun and I always felt welcomed!

From the time i got onto the plane to the time i left, i made sure to make friends with everyone i could. It really helped me and made me feel less lonely especially when being away from my family and other friends back home. I'm not a very resourceful person, so my friends helped me know anything that was unknown.

I studied in the Korean language program in Yeosu and it was the best decision I could have ever made! If you want to truly immerse yourself in Korean culture, then this is the route to go. Yeosu is a smaller city but I think that’s the reason why you are able to meet such kind people who love to share their culture and history. I made so many genuine Korean friends and had such kind teachers in Yeosu. The teachers taught the language so well and they were very patient. I learned about two semesters worth of Korean in one semester and it was so powerful! I was able to have nice conversations with the people around me and it taught me how beautiful the language is. Yeosu is an amazing city by the ocean and it will offer so many activities that will make your stay so fun! Do yourself a favor, study in Yeosu!!

For my experience abroad in South Korea, it was absolutely fantastic!!! First few weeks weere a little rough but once I got the hang of the society and living style, it was a breeze!! It was such an adventure and experience, I will never forget it! The people I met and the relationships I made were amazing and the experience of different culture was fantastic! Would recommend it for every college student! The memories I made while part of this program are something I will never forget and continue to carry with me for the rest of my life!

I had a wonderful time in South Korea. It had always been a dream of mine to study abroad, and I ended up very happy with USAC’s Gwangju program. USAC helps you at every step of the way. I made lifelong friends in Korea, and I’ll never forget my experience. While the courses in Korea can be challenging, you’ll be successful if you put in the effort! Overall, the cultural immersion was great and the people in Korea were all very nice.

USAC was really amazing. I was nervous about going to another country by myself but with the help of USAC it was so much easier. Everything was prepared for me and all the information i needed to know i could email USAC about and get an answer the same day.The check ins over zoom from the USAC team while abroad are also really great and made me feel more safe and comfortable while abroad. I liked the program so much I decided to do another with USAC!

I did the Gwangju, Yeosu intensive program and I can say it was decent. The cafeteria food was bad, the staff weren’t prepared to help us, and there were basically no clubs to join. However, the classes were fun, the campus life was good, and the overall experience tracking through Korea was very exciting and fun.

South Korea is an awesome country and I recommend everyone to go! USAC made the planning for the trip easy and helped you every step of the way. I only wished that USAC would have organized some events to help you settle in and integrate yourself into the country. Overall a super experience!

It can never be said too many times that all students should study abroad at least once in their life! An experience like this cultivates understanding and culture, adds global friendships and unforgettable memories, and oh, the food! Eating ones way through a country is by far the best! For me, USAC made this all possible with its affordable program and summer offer. I never would have made it otherwise. And I cannot emphasize enough how much I miss the friends that I made and those evenings out on the town! The best we can do now is chat online and plan our next get together! I'll be back, South Korea!

My experience abroad has made me a whole new person. Thanks to this experience I made many friends from different parts of the world that I had no idea existed. It allowed me to create bonds that are long lasting. I was able to visit ancient temples, forts, and villages that taught me the rich history about South Korea. Though, getting lost was part of the experience, there was so much to see. Many new kinds of food to try, different clothing styles and views of beauty, and many adventures that are never ending. Now, I am more excited about traveling and learning about different cultures.