Study Abroad Programs in Gwang Ju, South Korea

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.