Foreign Language Study Abroad Programs in South Korea

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

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 enjoyed every part of studying abroad in Seoul. AIFS made this experience special by having various group activities related to Korean culture. Thanks to the AIFS staff! I will always remember this time.

I am a visiting student at HUFS in Seoul, and I applied through Asia Exchange. What a wonderful journey I had with them! The entire procedure from application to arrival was smooth and user-friendly. The Asia Exchange team consisted of very nice people and they always answered my questions very fast. They gave me specifications about HUFS, student life, and living in Korea, which were really useful for my preparation. They even helped me apply for a dorm, so I didn’t have to worry about finding accommodation on my own. I really suggest Asia Exchange to all those who are planning to study in South Korea, you won't have any problem and no stress at all!

I’m super grateful for Asia Exchange during my study abroad. They took care of everything and made it super easy for me to go to Korea. Since I loved my experience so much, I’ve stayed in Korea since 2021 and still work with Asia Exchange to this day!

Korea quite literally had to be the best experience of my life, not only was it so thrilling and exciting to become immersed in a new country. Even with all the challenges, I had a lot of time to self-reflect, and I grew a lot. I've become more confident, more independent, more reliable, and I truly value what I have. Being in Korea helped me better myself hoenstly, and i also made so many wonderful friendships out of it that i will forever cherish for the rest of my life, weather it was us going out ot eat or going to to enjoy the nightlife or a movie night or maybe even just debunking the night being able to form a bond with some absoulte amazing epople was absouletely my favorite part of being in Korea.

Traveling to South Korea with TEAN was an unforgettable experience. I never imagined myself studying abroad, but I’m so grateful that I took the leap. I made lifelong friends and had the chance to explore so many incredible places—both on my own and through the program’s activities. Before going, I was nervous about stepping into something so new and unfamiliar, but everything turned out better than I could have hoped. Even now, the friends I met still talk about how much we miss South Korea. The trip truly shaped my life in ways I’ll carry with me forever, and I can’t wait for the day I get to go back.

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.

TEAN was the perfect choice for my first time leaving the country. They made the entire process smooth and guided you along the way on zoom for applying for a visa and registering in courses. It made the entire process stress free--I couldn't recommend them enough! My time in Korea was spent traveling every weekend, and I really feel like I got the most out of my 4.5 months there and in turn became extremely confident planning trips. Both program coordinators Kakao talk IDs' were available, and they were always available to give recommendations and would respond fast. The on-campus housing in the Anam international dorm was clean and had updated facilities. The downstairs also had a kitchen you could store food in. As for academics, my teachers were very kind. I would recommend going to office hours for any non Korean courses you take because it makes understanding the grading easier. They were always willing to work with me!

I chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted a program that felt supportive but also gave me the freedom to explore, and South Korea was the perfect fit. From the beginning, the staff made everything easy—they guided me through the application and pre-departure steps and were always quick to respond whenever I had questions. That level of support continued while I was abroad, which made the transition a lot smoother. The program itself was well-rounded. Housing was comfortable and in a good spot, and the excursions let me see parts of Korea I might have missed if I had gone on my own. I really appreciated the cultural activities too, since they gave me a deeper understanding of the country beyond just school. On top of that, I built some amazing friendships with other students in the program, which made the experience even better. Looking back, this program helped me grow more independent and confident, and it gave me skills that I know will carry into my career and life in general. I’d definitely recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone who wants both structure and adventure while studying abroad.

I chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted a program that felt supportive but also gave me the freedom to explore, and South Korea was the perfect fit. From the beginning, the staff made everything easy—they guided me through the application and pre-departure steps and were always quick to respond whenever I had questions. That level of support continued while I was abroad, which made the transition a lot smoother. The program itself was well-rounded. Housing was comfortable and in a good spot, and the excursions let me see parts of Korea I might have missed if I had gone on my own. I really appreciated the cultural activities too, since they gave me a deeper understanding of the country beyond just school. On top of that, I built some amazing friendships with other students in the program, which made the experience even better. Looking back, this program helped me grow more independent and confident, and it gave me skills that I know will carry into my career and life in general. I’d definitely recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone who wants both structure and adventure while studying abroad.

Before coming to Korea, I was a picky eater. However, given a unique situation and a positive mindset towards new experiences, I tried new foods and enjoyed eating seafood for the first time. If you're unsure about studying abroad in Korea, you should go for it and enjoy the experience of being in a new country. I explored a new culture and ate fresh foods I would never find in the US for a lower price. I recommend checking out night markets, new districts, and social media to find hidden restaurants serving unique foods. Overall, this program has provided me with the opportunity to discover new things and given me an experience that I will never forget.

I think one thing people don’t tell you when you study abroad is how quickly the extraordinary becomes routine. At first, everything is new; every street corner, every meal, every cultural difference feels like an adventure. In Korea, I was awed by the towering peaks of Bukhansan, the neon-lit streets of Seoul, and the centuries-old palaces that stood as reminders of a rich and complex history. Each day felt like a discovery, from tasting tteokbokki at a street stall to navigating public transportation in a foreign language. But after a while, the novelty starts to fade. The subway routes become second nature, the sounds of a new language shift from overwhelming to background noise, and the once-exciting challenge of ordering food turns into just another part of the day. That’s when you realize the true essence of studying abroad, it’s not just about the grand adventures, but about embracing the everyday moments in a different culture. For me, those mundane moments became the most meaningful. Studying in a café tucked away in a quiet alley, sharing inside jokes with new friends from across the world, finding comfort in a familiar park bench, going to church on Sunday, these are the things that stick with me. It’s not just about climbing literal mountains, but about navigating the highs and lows of adapting to a new way of life. And when it’s time to leave, you realize that what once felt foreign has somehow become home.

I think one thing people don’t tell you when you study abroad is how quickly the extraordinary becomes routine. At first, everything is new; every street corner, every meal, every cultural difference feels like an adventure. In Korea, I was awed by the towering peaks of Bukhansan, the neon-lit streets of Seoul, and the centuries-old palaces that stood as reminders of a rich and complex history. Each day felt like a discovery, from tasting tteokbokki at a street stall to navigating public transportation in a foreign language. But after a while, the novelty starts to fade. The subway routes become second nature, the sounds of a new language shift from overwhelming to background noise, and the once-exciting challenge of ordering food turns into just another part of the day. That’s when you realize the true essence of studying abroad, it’s not just about the grand adventures, but about embracing the everyday moments in a different culture. For me, those mundane moments became the most meaningful. Studying in a café tucked away in a quiet alley, sharing inside jokes with new friends from across the world, finding comfort in a familiar park bench, going to church on Sunday, these are the things that stick with me. It’s not just about climbing literal mountains, but about navigating the highs and lows of adapting to a new way of life. And when it’s time to leave, you realize that what once felt foreign has somehow become home.

Together with asia exchange I was able to study in the city of my dreams. They have an excellent support and help you with anything. I was initially very overwhelmed, but Asia Exchange sent emails and reminders every time something came up, which made everything much easier. My contact person was also very approachable and kind. I'm really happy with my decision!

KISLP study abroad is a hidden gem of a foreign exchange program. It’s located in the small city of Cheongju at Chungbuk University and has an academic rigor well-suited to those who have already started on their Korean learning journey and wish to accelerate the language acquisition process. I'll go into more detail about specific aspects. Academic life: In my experience this program is best for those who are serious about improving their Korean. When they say Korean Intensive Summer Language Program they’re not lying about intensive! Class is for three hours straight every weekday and there is at least one hour worth of homework and another hour of study if you want to keep up. Through just one summer we go through two semesters of content. Don’t worry though, as long as you study what you need to, the teachers present the content in a very meticulous and methodical way that makes the information stick. There are equal parts vocabulary, speaking, writing, and listening, and I did not feel that any aspect of the language was being neglected in the classroom. Classes are taught in full Korean which was frustrating sometimes, but the textbooks have English explanations of things if needed. Also, you’re given language partners who you study with at least twice a week for an hour. Personally I studied around 2-3 hours each meeting time. Culture events: Every single week we had a cultural event such as Hanbok wearing and traditional tea ceremony, k-pop dance class, taekwondo, japchae cooking at a cooking school, and etc. They’re done in full Korean (but AC/Chungbuk staff will help with English when needed) and are about 2-3 hours in the afternoon. I appreciated the blend of traditional and modern Korean experiences and the new phrases and vocabulary we learned from them. It really brought excitement and diversity to the program experience considering we were in a classroom/studying/homework for several hours every day. Living situation: We were in student dormitories and used the student bathrooms, cafeterias, trash/recycling, etc. There weren’t Korean students living with us, the whole floor was just us Americans. There was air conditioning! However the laundry was frustrating. Win some lose some. The dorm food was not as good as the restaurants but still good! The kitchen staff are careful about allergies. My friend had an allergy and they printed out a daily menu for her and each time she came in explained what was OK/not OK to eat. Value of Cheongju: This program isn’t in Seoul like a lot of programs but rather in the small city of Cheongju. During my time, there were so many people I met who said I was the first foreigner they had ever talked to. At cafes, they always took my order in Korean. At stores, they spoke to me in Korean. Of course I was a foreigner but people didn’t approach me like I was a tourist. Though this program is not in Seoul, we do spend the last week fully in Seoul doing a bunch of activities so you’ll still get those classic Seoul experiences (lotte world, museums, namsan tower, famous markets, etc). In Seoul, everyone always spoke to me in English and it felt like I was a tourist more than a student. One time in Seoul I merely ordered a coffee in Korean and the employee was completely shocked—an experience I never had in Cheongju. I believe the program being in Cheongju enables you to get a more authentic Korean student experience than studying in a large tourist-filled city like Seoul. Community: The best part for me was the community I made there. You get 20 or so peers from all around the United States and are also paired with local students from Chungbuk university as language tutors, so you get a very large social circle. I made great relationships with both Americans and Koreans who I still keep in frequent contact with. Eating out, studying at cafes, karaoke late into the night, board game cafes, big soccer games, workout partners, trips to other cities, and etc—in Cheongju my life was very fulfilling thanks to all of the people the program acquainted me with!

This program was absolutely amazing! The program had tons of fantastic trips and learning opportunities. The program managers were super helpful and involved in our experience. They were always available and responsive when we needed help! The school was at times difficult to communicate with as a foreigner, but TEAN staff were always able to help. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to study in Korea!