Sustainable Development Study Abroad Programs in Asia

My experience studying abroad in South Korea was so much more than I could have ever expected. Honestly, I went into it thinking I would just try a bunch of new foods and do some sightseeing. However, it ended up being so much more than that. I attended Hanyang University, where I met so many amazing people and formed friendships that I know will last a lifetime. One thing I quickly realized was that everyone around me was in a similar position. We all wanted to explore, try new things, and make the most of our time in Korea. Because of that, it was incredibly easy to connect with people and build meaningful friendships. Before I knew it, my schedule was completely filled. Every day brought something new, whether it was visiting a different city, trying a new restaurant, going on a hike, or simply meeting someone new. For me, this was far outside my comfort zone. I had never traveled internationally before, and I barely knew how to speak Korean. However, the people around me made the experience so much easier. I probably asked more questions than I could count, and I'm sure I annoyed a few people along the way, but everyone was always kind and willing to help. Overall, studying abroad in South Korea taught me that there is so much more to a country than what you see on the surface. Being able to experience Korean culture firsthand, explore new places, and share those moments with friends made the experience truly unforgettable. What I originally thought would just be a few months of traveling and studying turned into one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

Hi! My name is Lily Nevarez, and I am a Biochemistry student at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). I love cooking, makeup, K-dramas, learning new languages, and, most importantly, exploring and experiencing new cultures. During my study abroad experience, I had the opportunity to spend an entire Wintermester in Seoul, South Korea, where I studied at Yonsei University. Yonsei is one of the most prestigious and iconic universities in South Korea, and if you are interested in Korean culture and studying abroad, it is definitely a university I would recommend exploring. I really recommend going to Yonsei with Worldstries because I think it has a program in which you can learn about and study the culture at the same time, here below is a video of my day to day life.

My time at Sogang University through WorldStrides was the most impactful, life-changing, and rewarding experience I have ever had. Beyond my incredible course studying K-Pop, Hallyu, and the way it has spread across the globe, I found so much joy going and experiencing everyday life in Korea. From the beautiful temples to practicing my Korean with locals, I cherished every moment I had during my time there. I was always taken care of, supported, and felt like I was truly cared for by the on-site team, from airport pickup to organized activities (including a super fun excursion to Nami Island!). I would do anything to go back again and re-experience the entire thing!

This was one of the best experiences of my life. I spent a month in Seoul and took classes at Hanyang University. I felt very immersed in the culture and made so many new friends from all over the world. I took a Korean traditional fan dancing class while I was there, and it was so much fun to learn and perform at the graduation ceremony. We also got to go to Jeju Island during the trip, which was so amazing. It was really interesting to see an island filled with so much history.

My experience in Seoul was amazing, I had so much fun exploring and with my fellow WorldStrides attendees. Together we explored different parts of Seoul, tried new foods, experienced Korean culture and got to experience what daily life is like in South Korea. Being able to learn both inside and outside the classroom made an experience even more meaningful for me. One of the most memorable parts of my trip was exploring Seoul on my own. I spent an entire day navigating the city by myself, using the subway system, ordering meals in Korean, asking for directions, and visiting places I had previously only seen on social media. The WorldStrides team also made the experience much easier and less overwhelming. They provided clear instructions, answered my questions, and were always there when I needed support. Knowing that I had people I could turn to allowed me to focus less on the logistics and more on enjoying Seoul, learning about Korean culture, and making the most of my experience.

I studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea at Sogang University through WorldStrides!! I had the most incredible, unforgettable experience studying Korean music globalization, exploring the country, and immersing myself completely in the culture. Thanks to Sogang and to WorldStrides, I was taken care of every single step of the way and had an experience I’ll miss every single day!

I think that this program is an accessible way for students to venture outside of their comfort zone in both their taste pallet and social interactions. In this program you will learn to make friends with people you might not encounter on a day to day basis.

Program is well structured and the pre orientation is super helpful, specially because going to a new country can feel overwhelming so the guide made it easier. The staff is very attentive to our needs and they host events and day trips to help us be involved in our new city

This program was spectacular; every aspect was flawless and unforgettable. The program itself was life changing. The opportunities to explore the country through weekends and field trips were splendid and the classes were interesting and fun.

I would likely recommend CIEE study abroad to a friend because all the staff in the program were very helpful and made it easy to transition to a different country's environment. I was also able to explore all the places that I wanted to while taking classes and doing an internship, which was amazing!

I would be likely to recommend this study abroad experience because it will help you grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. It is an experience like no other and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I would be very likely to recommend CIEE because they make the logistics of studying abroad seamless. From the airport pickup to the housing arrangements, everything was well-organized, which allowed me to focus on my classes and exploring Singapore without stress.

Extremely likey program beacuse it is a good experience for everyone to go out and explore a different cultural. Singapore is a great place to explore, I loved the people I met here. Amazing Experience.

Studying abroad in South Korea was a wonderful experience. Korea is home to some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, and I was able to experience them thanks to the excursions organized by the WorldStrides team. I loved the cafe culture, the ease and accessibility of transportation, the 24/7 convenience stores, and how safe it felt to walk the streets even at night. The food was amazing, my favorite dish was probably Galbitang with rice and a generous serving of kimchi. It is especially comforting and delicious during the winter. I studied at Sogang University and had a very pleasant experience. The campus is spacious, surrounded by many restaurants, and located in an area with numerous and convenient transportation options.

I would likely recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend, peer anyone I know who's interested in going. I really enjoyed it overall and all the opportunities it gave us to explore more of Korean culture.

I loved my time in Bali with StudyInBali, I wished I could have signed up for the 3 month program instead! The course content was insightful and I learned some career advancing skills for sure. I do wish there was an option to share a room with a fellow student because all our rooms had 2 single beds but only one of us in each of them. I think that would make it more affordable for everyone as well. Otherwise Bali is an incredible island with lots to do after classes, I can’t wait visit again!

I am forever changed after visiting Bali for the Study in Bali: Tropical Architecture program. This program was fully immersive! We spent half of our time in the classroom learning from vetted professionals who have real life experience and the other half on amazing excursions and in workshops. The staff was extremely polite and kind. My classmates were from 16 different countries and are now life long friends! We learned so much about Balinese architecture and South East Asian architecture and culture overall. Bali is such a safe place, the people are so kind, food is great and the weather is so beautiful! This was truly an incredible experience! If I could do it all over again, I would!

I would be likely to recommend CIEE to my peers because it offers so many chances to meet some of the best friends and relationships you can find through a diverse group of like minded people which you get to go on adventures with.

My semester abroad in Thailand through ISDSI was one of the most special and formative experiences I have had. I was pushed both mentally and physically through the unique coursework, which expanded outside of the classroom. Whether backpacking across rainforests and mountains or snorkeling above coral reefs off of the coast, I was able to learn so much more than through a classroom setting. I truly believe this program offers one of the most unique and authentic study abroad experiences out there. With an emphasis on learning the local language and culture, combined with the multitude of homestays included in the program, I was able to experience so much more of Thailand than I would have from traveling on my own. On top of that, the locals were some of the most kind and welcoming people, being gracious enough to let us stay in their homes and feed us some of the best Thai food. There were so many amazing highlights from the program, from the beautiful views while hiking through the mountains, learning how to grow coffee and cacao, camping on remote beaches, being able to order food in Thai for the first time, and my personal favorite, hanging out with the elephants. I highly recommend this program, as it encapsulates what a study abroad experience should be, with an emphasis on experiential learning and local guidance, while pushing you out of your comfort zone. If you enjoy a little bit of a challenge, are a hands-on learner, and want a rich learning experience, then this program is for you! I am beyond grateful to have been able to experience Thailand through ISDSI.

I studied abroad with ISDSI through the CEC program in the fall of 2024, and I returned to the U.S. with a new community, stronger research skills, and unreal experiences I will never forget. Regarding community, the people I met in my and other “sibling” programs, the fantastic staff at ISDSI who guided us through the semester, and everyone in between were the ones who made my time in Thailand special. I have many wonderful memories with CEC, and some of my favorites include visiting Karen villages, staying in homestays, exploring Chiang Mai restaurants, and snorkeling in the Andaman Sea. Academically, we learned how to conduct mini-research projects which helped me ask better questions in interviews and prepare for my future senior thesis. I would recommend ISDSI to other students because it is an immersive, hands-on, and challenging program in all the right ways. And, my biggest takeaway is I learned how truly supportive, inspiring, and uplifting a community can be, even when they were strangers only a few months ago. So, to CEC, ISDSI, and everyone involved in our program and beyond: Thank you for a truly life-changing experience.