Study Abroad Programs in Busan, South Korea

The city of Busan is making a targeted push to attract more international students to its doorstep every year, including opening up international campuses within several of its major universities to accommodate for English-speaking students. 

What subjects to study? Some of the most popular subjects among international students who study abroad in Busan tend to include Korean language, computer science, international business, and Asian studies.

Short term and summer programs vs. long term programs. Students can pop on over to Busan for a couple of weeks or for a summer study abroad program and still have an incredible meaningful travel experience. Busan has great public transportation so even if you’re on a time crunch, you can get a general feel of the Korean culture while doing a short term study abroad program. There are many advantages to studying abroad for a longer period of time as well. 

Attending universities vs. other program types. Some study abroad programs in Busan will enable you to take English-taught courses at local universities, while others will offer to enroll you at their own satellite schools, where classes are taught by local faculty and custom-tailored to an international student body.

Bursting with mountains, beaches, hot springs, and seafood, Busan has tons to offer international students. From casual tent bars and chic designer cafes to fish markets teeming with exotic species, Busan has something for everyone. If you are studying abroad during the Busan International Film Festival, mark your calendar for this must-attend event.

Busan is fairly inexpensive, which will come as a big sigh of relief to international students. If you shop at the local markets and eat Korean street food, you will not have to stress over the cost. A bus ticket will be about $1.20 and a Korean meal is under $10. And after a long day of classes you can head to Haeundae Beach to relax and unwind. Or, you can take you homework with you since they offer free Wi-Fi. Yes, you read that right.

If you are worried about the cost of studying abroad in Busan, create a crowdsource fundraiser with FundMyTravel. The money you raise through the support of your family and friends will help make your meaningful travel experience studying abroad in Busan possible!

Studying abroad in Busan will open doors of opportunity and new perspective for you. You will gain independence and a home away from home, and create lifelong friends and memories! Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, although scary, will help you grow as much as possible during study abroad programs in Busan.

You will never go hungry in Busan. Korean locals are going to make sure of that. In fact, best to bring your stretchy pants because you will be obsessing over the kimchi, pajeon, bulgogi, kimbap, and patbingsu. Once you discover what eating out in Busan is like, dining will never be the same again.

Learn to read and write before going to Busan. It may be surprising to hear, but the Korean alphabet is not as difficult as you may imagine and it will make a huge difference when you are ordering coffee, shopping for food, or looking up directions. Also, be aware of cultural norms before heading to Busan. For example, use your right hand to exchange money, bow when you greet a Korean, don’t speak loudly on a bus, and never write anyone’s name in red. 

You will have no trouble keeping yourself busy in Busan, but it is important to remember to relax every now and then and just soak up the scenes around you. Studying abroad in Busan, a city that truly values education, modernization, and new ideas, will be inspiring to say the least and excite you about what the future brings.

Don’t stop the bibambap! Read our comprehensive guide on studying in South Korea.