Study Abroad Programs in Seoul, South Korea

I have been here in LTL South Korea for about 2 months and it has been a really great experience. When I first chose to join LTL over a standard Korean university, I was worried about the quality of teaching that I would received because honestly I have had mediocre experiences before. I think good teachers can be really hard to come by. But my teacher 고민지 선생님, was honestly perfect for my learning styile and has really helped me improve my Korean. She always puts in the extra effort to make sure we understand the material. In the past, I have taken Korean courses both in America and in Korea, but I have never learned as fast as I have with her so I am really grateful. In our small group setting she talks to each student and makes sure that we all get our speaking practice in. She is always attentive to her students and I always feel that she is super passionate and about teaching. Even if I am slacking on studying or low energy class is still really fun. In the past my Korean courses never really provided speaking practice. But because of the small groups, we are able to do it very well. She also explains the nuances of Korean which I feel as a foreigner is a really difficult concept to grasp.. I really truly think that is such a great teacher. Actually at first I also wondered about the length of the classes because I thought 4 hours would be long. But time really goes by fast. I was also pretty worried that I wouldn’t be in the right level for learning Korean. But the staff were really accommodating in our Korean to ensure that we were getting the right teacher for our levels. I personally was put in the level fit for me, but I’ve seen a lot of students change levels a lot of they needed. Which I think is great because my other programs never let us switch levels.. and that was really frustrating for me in the past. With the LTL program every monday, wednesday, and friday we are able to eat lunch together as a group. One of the first staff I met was 최지은 (we call her Violet) and she was so kind! I felt really welcomed and she is usually the person who takes us to lunch. We both bonded over our love for K-pop (haha). We always go somewhere nearby the school for lunch. There are also many activities after morning classes. A lot of the activities are tourist activities, so these days I don’t really join as often as I used to, but in the start of the program I was a little shy so it was fun to join and make some friends. Everyone is from somewhere different so I always had fun conversations. Another nice thing I have been able to do is just stay in the building a study in an empty classroom. My teacher recommended it to me after I told her I had a difficult time studying at my place. I love the location of the building as well because its in Hongdae, so theres just so many things I can do after class. I would definitely come back again and hopefully I am able to next summer. It is definitely more affordable compared other schools and while other programs offer all day excursions and such, personally I don’t have a strong interest in that. So I would definitely recommend this program if anyone is considering it especially if you have been to Korea before.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewJuly 30, 2026

So pleased you had a great time with us at LTL Seoul and with your teacher 고민지 선생님. It's a pleasure to read such a positive story and we're so glad you bonded with the team over common interests too!! Please come back again and let's improve together again. Don't forget to study Korean hard back home too :) Best wishes, LTL Team

Best languageschool experience! Communication: Top! Even before booking fast and helpful response (in your mother tongue), in Seoul the team is sooo helpful. Whatever question you have...they are present and help. You are totally lost somewhere in the city? send a message. They will help. Location: you ll find LTL in a supernice student district, easy to reach by couple of subwaylines, many restaurants, clubs, bars, shops School/Classrooms: As LTL does not do huge classes, you have rooms for max 8 people, with a lot of light, all with aircon)heating. Also after classes you can study in the front area or have a nice chat (or learning) on the outside terrace. Your morning only works with coffee? no problem, coffeemachine provided. Iced Coffee? ice cubes provided. as well as tea, water and so on. course: after finding out your level you enter a course of a few people only. in a very personal and easy going atmosphere. even though focused on learning, there s always time for some chatting and intercultural exchange. crowd: international mix, all ages, openminded, mixing well. me near 50, was a bit afraid it might be difficult going to school/course with genz/alpha. Not at all. Thanks to openminded and inclusive atmosphere. and to: Teacher: We had Kyle as super skilled teacher. He managed a very mixed group of 4, different age and nationality, different backgrounds in a perfect way. In a personal approach he encouraged, motivated and gave guidance. Starting from absolutely ZERO within 4 weeks i feel safe to speak. Of course more practice in writing reading and vocabulary needed. But the base is there to proceed on your own. 감사합니다, Kyle씨. And all this in a not pushy but very relaxed way! After school avtivities: LTL team organizes a lot of team activities. exploring nearby restaurants, art and craft courses, escaoe rooms, clumbing, pool excursions, korean calligraphy course..and many more. And LTL is not asking additiona fees. Prices: I did a research before, and seeing what others offer, LTL is best value for money. perfect service, good facilities, small classed, superskilled teacher/teaching method, extra progams, and supersweet team. I ll definitely come back and go on with course.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewJuly 06, 2026

Zero to feeling safe to speak Korean in 4 weeks - and with iced coffee on tap throughout!? Amazing!! We are thrilled Kyle and the whole Seoul team made such an impression and we will make sure he sees your kind words. Thanks so much for taking the time to cover every corner of the experience. Keep up the great work studying Korean and we cannot wait to welcome you back! LTL Team

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 am super grateful for the support from both institutions in making the process as smooth as possible from departure to arrival and departing again. USACs preparation was surely a gift, Kookmin’s integration and support was helpful, and staff from both sides helped as much as they could!

I enjoyed my study abroad program! I felt my time there allowed me to integrate into the culture to the point that I truly saw the local culture rather than what people see as a tourist. It showed me that I can adapt quickly to assimilate the customs of the community while also still retaining my independence and sense of self. Coming back to the U.S., I came back with a better understanding of my personal identity and how different practices around the world are similar and different to where I live. This program helped me see ways I can incorporate different cultural perspectives in my career advancement and knowledge. I highly recommend this program to people that want to challenge themselves!

I honestly think studying abroad at Korea University was one of the best opportunities I have experienced! I was nervous before going, but I am so happy I went and got out of my comfort zone, which allowed me to become more independent. While in Seoul, I made amazing friends (who I still keep in touch with) and had tons of fun everyday both inside and outside of school. There was just so much to explore and I was never bored! I would totally go back again if I had the chance because it is such a great memory of mine.

As someone who had never been to Asia to start with. Studying and living in Seoul for a semester was a life changing experience. Meeting other international students from all over the world while also making new friends with the locals. The city of Seoul offers a wide variety of cultural activities, food, nightlife, and many more things to do for entertainment. I came back from my study abroad and still recommend it to my friends and fellow classmates. USAC also offered amazing guidance along the whole process of applying to arrival and even ongoing support while there. Great program and highly recommend to others.

Hey Korean Language Learners! I originally spent 3 weeks at LTL Shanghai learning Mandarin, and had such a good experience that I decided to return to LTL, but this time in Seoul to improve my Korean. LTL Shanghai included not only classes, but a fun community of fellow students, as well as some fun activities in the evening organized by the school. This is more or less also what I expected when I signed up for another 3 week stay at LTL Seoul, but my actual experience so far has vastly exceeded my expectations. As I’ve only had classes with one teacher, I can only speak to my experience with 다영 선생님, who makes class fun and full of laughter, but also ensures that she both challenges and supports us students when it comes to both comprehension and oral expression. Class often passes by very quickly, as there’s been a high emphasis on speaking, as opposed to the teacher simply lecturing us about the language for 4 hours. Speaking from my experience both in Shanghai and Seoul, your fellow students also tend to be very motivated, as they’re spending their time and hard earned money to make as much progress as possible in the limited time they have at school. While the academic portion so far has been very enjoyable and effective (in 2 short weeks I’ve already seen visible progress on my goal to read Korean at a quicker, more natural pace and increase my practical vocabulary), where LTL Seoul shines the brightest is the staff, which I feel are the heart and soul of the academy. Hailee, Manuel, Sebastian, and Violet have done, and continue to do, such an amazing job welcoming us and fostering an incredible experience for all the students. Before even arriving in Seoul, Violet would respond to various questions I had about the academic program, learning materials, and even helped to sort out accommodations (which I don’t think is even part of her responsibilities). Once I arrived in Seoul, Manuel was in constant contact with me, making sure that I knew how to get to my accommodation without getting lost, and also ensured that everything at the accommodation was prepared properly. Shortly after settling into my 고시원 (a kind of low rent, single occupancy room), Violet and Hailee took myself and other students out for a picnic on the Han River. I had been in Seoul not even 3 hours and I was already getting a nice local experience with fellow students that I probably would never have considered doing on my own. Hailee not only helped to organize events and accompany students to them while the school was looking for a new Culture Specialist. And finally, when Sebastian (the new Culture Specialist) arrived, he hit the ground running with organizing a karaoke event, getting to know the students, and planning further events according to the interests of the students. I went to LTL Seoul expecting to have a nice time while improving my Korean a bit, but I never really thought I would seriously consider returning anytime soon. Now I’m looking at my schedule and trying to figure out if another trip this year is possible, or if I’ll have to wait until next year. In either case, I look forward to returning to LTL Seoul very soon!

LTL Language School responded to this reviewMarch 27, 2026

Clyde, we're so happy you had a blast in both Shanghai and now Seoul! We can't wait to have you back and we're so happy to read your wonderful story learning languages with us :) Keep up the great work back hoe and we'll be ready and waiting for your return!! LTL Team

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 SO happy that I got the chance to study abroad at Korea University! I was able to be immersed in a new culture and I got to experience a ton of fun things. I also made some good friends there which made my experience even better. I definitely became more independent through this program. Hopefully, I can go back to Seoul soon because I miss it a lot!

Studying in South Korea was truly life changing! It was my first time being away from home, so I was nervous to go to a place where I knew no one. But the friends I made and experiences I had were so life altering.

I have been studying at LTL Seoul for a long time now (over 4 months now and counting) and it has truly become one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. And I still have two months left! When I first came here, I was both excited and nervous. Starting a new language in a different country is never easy, especially considering I’m above the average age of a typical student! However, from the very beginning, I felt welcomed and supported by everyone around me including the team, the teachers and my fellow students. One of the best parts of this experience has been the friendships I made. I met so many international people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. German, fellow Americans, British, Dutch, German, Italian. LTL has every nationality you can imagine. Even though we all spoke different native languages, we shared the same goal. Learning Korean and understanding Korean culture more deeply. Through studying together, practicing conversations, and truggling with difficult grammar, we became close friends. These friendships mean so much to me, and I believe they will last for a long time. I’ve also enjoyed taking salsa dance lessons whilst in Seoul and making friends through that too. It’s also another place to practice my Korean! Korean can be quite difficult. The pronunciation, grammar structure, and honorific expressions require a lot of patience and practice. Sometimes I felt that memorizing vocabulary and understanding new concepts was not easy. There were moments when I doubted myself and wondered if I could really improve. But I kept reminding myself that learning has no age limit. I am still learning, still making mistakes, and still growing every day. The teachers at LTL Seoul are truly wonderful. They are patient, kind, and professional. They always encourage us, no matter our level. They explain difficult points clearly and create a comfortable atmosphere in class so that we are not afraid to speak. Because of them, I gained confidence and motivation to continue studying. Their support made a huge difference in my journey. I studied with a few teachers including Jennifer, Yunjeong, Jeehyun and Minji. I also love how LTL Korea allows us to experience the culture and the language in tandem. Through various activities and conversations, I learned more about Korean traditions, daily life, and social manners. It helped me understand Korea in a deeper and more personal way. We’ve done so many things like travel the city, partake in kimchi or mandu (dumpling) making, played Korean games, gone to Korean restaurants etc. The staff also take students to lunch every week which is a great plus especially when you are new and unfamiliar with the language and what to eat! I really like it here and will definitely come back again. This place is more than just a school; it feels like a second home to me. Special thanks to Manuel, Max, Hailee, Lio, and Violet for the laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories. And my deepest gratitude to my teachers for their dedication and warm hearts. You all made this experience truly special, and I will always cherish the time I spent here forever.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewFebruary 26, 2026

Lydia, we're so happy you've had the best time with us in Seoul. You've truly become a part of the furniture here and we've loved seeing you blossom with your Korean skills! We hope you enjoy the final weeks of your course as much as the first half, and let's keep improving together!! Thanks so much for sharing such a beautiful story at LTL Seoul :) Best wishes, LTL Team

I would recommend this program to everyone because of its freedom and unique flexibility to build your own schedule and see and live in more than once place around the world for an extended period of time.

I would definitely recommend because I was able to meet so many other international students through CIEE even outside my open block program and hear more experiences. Also the CIEE activities were very enjoyable and memorable.

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.

CIEE is very accommodating, and makes sure you have the proper pre-departure information needed to succeed. They also give many scholarships and accommodate many majors. The staff are very kind and make the experience of Seoul easier.

I chose Seoul as I wanted to experience somewhere new and unfamiliar. I wanted to challenge myself by visiting somewhere that would be out of my comfort zone, as I felt, and still feel, that it is the only way you can truly grow as a person. I have a deep love for history and culture, so being able to live in a country and truly immerse myself in this new, mysterious way of life helped me understand why I chose this city. I made sure I chose courses that aligned with both my degree and my personal interests. USAC and Yonsei University gave me the opportunity to learn about Philosophy in East Asian Culture, where we delve into centuries-old traditions throughout multiple countries, learning how they shaped the way we live in the modern day. This inspired me to get first-hand experience with these topics. I went and visited different traditional and spiritual sites all around the country, and even in other countries like Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan. I marched the treacherous hike through the mountains of Hong Kong to visit the Buddha statue and learn about its history. I travelled all through the rural towns around Mount Fuji to understand their way of living and traditions. I had a life-changing experience that I would never trade for anything. The only thing that I wish were different was the availability of courses. I understand that there aren't many people who can teach a class in English, so I am not torn over this, but I was super excited to take a Korean Fashion and Sustainability course that I had to unfortunately drop out of after realizing I made the mistake of signing up for a Korean spoken course offered to exchange students. Overall, I had amazing experiences, met some truly outstanding people that I am fortunate enough to call my friends, and ate a lot (and I mean a lot) of delicious food! I would totally recommend studying at Yonsei to anyone whos on the fence about going.

My time teaching in South Korea was truly life changing. What started as a leap into the unknown quickly became one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. I arrived excited but unsure of what to expect, and I left with a deeper sense of purpose, confidence, and connection than I ever imagined possible. Teaching students who were curious, funny, and full of personality reminded me every day why I chose this path. The classroom became a place where I learned just as much as I taught. I grew not only as an educator, but as a person. The friendships I built with coworkers, the warmth of the community, and the kindness of strangers made me feel genuinely welcomed. Outside of school, Korea became my second home in every way. I fell in love with the rhythm of daily life, the food, the nature, and the energy of each city I visited. Whether wandering through colorful streets, exploring mountains, or simply sitting in a café on a quiet morning, I felt grounded and inspired. Korea gave me memories that continue to shape who I am, and I will always be grateful for the time I spent there.