Social Sciences Study Abroad Programs in South Korea

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!

Studying in Barcelona had been a dream! I took classes in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. My 7 weeks in that paradise were filled with exploration, inspiration, and so much fun. From amazing people to the delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture to the colorful culture, Spain should be at the top of the must-visit countries list. My favorite activity, besides spending my day at the beach, was wandering around the city without a map and being amazed by the beauty hidden in every corner of Barcelona. Thanks to the Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage class, I learned even more about this impressive history and culture. CIS helped me through every step of adapting to studying and living in Barcelona. They planned fun events for us, such as various tours in famous parts of Barcelona, beach picnic and volleyball, wine tasting, tours to towns in Spain, and cooking classes. I stayed at Aparto Pallars, which is conveniently located near the metro station, from which you can take the metro anywhere. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm definitely willing to go back to Barcelona or any other program with CIS!

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.

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.

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.

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!

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad with CIS Abroad in Thailand during the fall of 2024, and I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons. The on-site staff were exceptional, offering unwavering support throughout the entire journey. Their dedication truly made a difference. The cultural richness of Thailand is something I’ll never forget. Thanks to CIS Abroad, I was able to explore countless temples, enjoy local cuisine, and visit beautiful islands and vibrant cities. One of the program’s standout features is its encouragement for students to travel and immerse themselves in new experiences. The staff not only helped prepare us for academics but also ensured we felt confident navigating the country independently. This experience reshaped my perspective on the world. I had the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to learn and grow in ways I never expected. I also gained a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed, thriving in an unfamiliar environment where communication was often challenging due to language barriers. CIS Abroad goes above and beyond to support its students. From teaching about local culture to offering academic assistance (specific to Thailand), they foster an environment of growth and opportunity. Their consistent communication throughout the semester was invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend CIS Abroad. It’s more than just an academic program—it’s a transformative experience that will empower you to truly live your best life while exploring the world.

I wanna start by saying this is one of the best experience I've ever had! I had a support system through API and through the university which enabled me to immerse myself even more. I can't stress enough about the classes how crucial they were to my whole experience. I was able to take beginners Korean wine, learned more about medium popular culture in Korea, a DEI class through the natives experience and took a health policy class. I think each class played a very important role where I was able to learn so much more about the country and it's history and be able to apply it in some of the classes. I am now at my home university and how I think about certain topics. Another favorite parts of this program was being in the city and being able to explore on my own time with my friends that I made. After class, we would just go explore the city and do excursions of our own. One of my favorite events I was able to attend was Ipselenti and Daedongje one of the biggest week of events in the spring semester that they have where they bring the biggest artist of K-pop at the moment to the students. I got to see some of my new favorite artist perform especially their newest releases. I was not expecting it at all, but I think that's what made this whole event so memorable, plus I was able to do a project for one of my classes based on these events. Another plus is that they have some of the best cuisine. Every day I would eat something new.

I love studying in South Korea! It was a bit of a culture shock when I arrived as this trip was a lot of firsts for me, like my first plane ride, time in an airport, and trip outside the country! The sunrises are beautiful, and the Cherry Blossom season is one of a kind. As a picky eater, Korea helped me find more foods to try and experiences I liked. If I had to do something different, I would travel more independently and get lost through exploring. The biggest advice I have is to give it a fair shot and do it. There will be moments when you'll get frustrated with not knowing what to expect, but take those in stride and be patient with yourself.

If I told myself a year ago, heck even 6 months ago, that I finally took the leap and traveled to South Korea-- I would think I was crazy. Going abroad seemed like a fairytale. It was so expensive, so unheard of in my family, my community. But I had decided that this would be my time, the quintessential summer to experience the world to the fullest. Since the pandemic, and even previous to it, I’ve wanted to see how other people live, what other cultures are like and the beauty of biomes divergent from the melting heat and clobbering humidity of my home. That spring semester of 2024 finally helped me determine where I wanted to go. Joining the Korean-pop club at my university showed me more of Korea than I had known before. I was a casual K-pop listener, but from witnessing the food, the historical landmarks, the cultural differences, it all seemed so unique and captivating. Getting on that plane was a long, nerve-wracking journey, but landing into a whole new continent where even the language written on the airport signs were different, was a complete culture shock. Jet lag was a tough monster to defeat, but after about a week of getting used to a new sleep routine, I had felt more energized and excited about being alive than ever. Even with the tough days, like preparing for an oral presentation in Korean language class, or traveling to a new area alone, I was still overjoyed with the idea that-- I’m literally in Korea right now! It was easy to get lonely being in a foreign country, not having any family or friends in the same time zone. But knowing other students in the AIFS program were going through the same thing, made me feel less alone. I created some amazing friendships, finding things in common with people I never would have met otherwise. Going on excursions with them to places like the famed N Seoul Tower, Everland theme park, and even taking weekend trips to Jeju Island, were moments I could never replace. In a similar note, being in the Sogang University community felt so comforting and safe. Besides being a gorgeous campus, the faculty were so accommodating and the professors were so curious and warm-hearted. I am going to greatly miss the natural atmosphere of Seoul, the expressiveness and kindness of Koreans, and seeing something new everyday that I wouldn’t be able to find in Florida. Visiting South Korea was just the push I needed to kickstart my traveling addiction; I can’t wait to go back and see what else the country has to offer.

If you ever have the chance to visit Seoul, South Korea, spring is an ideal time to go. I had the privilege of studying abroad at Korea University during the spring semester, and it was an unforgettable experience. I was initially unsure of what to expect but decided to fully immerse myself in the culture. I enrolled in Korean language, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and Media and Popular Culture classes. These courses were invaluable in helping me understand South Korea's rich history and contemporary issues. The Korean language classes were particularly helpful, making it easier to navigate daily life and engage more deeply with local culture. As a person of color, entering a new culture can sometimes feel daunting, but I found that Koreans are generally welcoming and interested in meeting foreigners. Korea University has a program called Korea University Buddy Assistant (KUBA) and their support helped me feel more comfortable and integrated into the community. If you’re in South Korea, check out Seoul for all their different types of cafes, karaoke rooms, and cherry blossoms locations but also check out other spots too! Busan is awesome with its gorgeous beaches and seafood markets. I got to sit and watch artists build sand castles for the sand castle festival. Jeju Island is a must-see, with its incredible scenery and the Snoopy Garden. Overall, studying in Seoul during the spring not only provided me with academic and cultural insights but also allowed me to build meaningful connections and create lasting memories. If you’re considering studying abroad, South Korea in the spring is a wonderful choice.

I cannot recommend studying in Seoul, South Korea enough! As someone who has never traveled outside the country, I can wholeheartedly say I was supported through every step of my journey abroad. For example, API and my home university provided excellent orientations that informed us about cultural norms, traveling, and expenses. I really valued how they prioritized students' cultural immersion experiences and well-being throughout the trip by having an API director on site. If I had questions or concerns about traveling or locating places on campus, my director would be one text message away. This eased my worries about adapting to the city and the university. I also have to mention how kind Korea University students were to foreigners. They always encouraged us to join dinners, have study sessions, and explore the city with them. The KUBA program is an excellent way to meet other foreigners and connect with Korean students, so be eager to join trips to Lotte World, Everland, etc. Connecting with this program helped me meet my closest friends abroad, so I highly recommend looking into it. I am tremendously grateful to the API team and Korea University for this experience. Full transparency: studying abroad is never perfect, so be prepared for tricky courses, language barriers if you're unfamiliar with Korean, and adjusting to an urban environment. Creating routines of heading to cafes to study and planning trips with friends helped me find balance in my schedule. I also connected with many friends who taught me Korean phrases, so be willing to learn! Studying abroad in Seoul was one of my favorite things in college. The temples, music scene, nightlife, and cities are unforgettable. If you're unsure about studying here, know that API has many support systems and resources to answer your questions and concerns. I remember feeling so scared about traveling away from my family, but I always had advisors, directors, and friends to support me. You'll find your community in Seoul, I'm sure of it!

I was hesitant to study abroad for the first time and CIS Abroad exceeded my expectations. CIS Abroad is there to make all steps in your study abroad journey as seamless as possible. The application process is simple and straightforward, and if you have any questions they are always there to help and respond quickly. During the pre-departure meetings, and onsite orientation I knew that I was going to be okay, and this was going to be a journey I would never forget. Arriving in Florence with CIS Abroad, they truly made you feel at home, and the onsite directors were so friendly towards all of us. Without CIS Abroad there to help, my journey would not been of amazing as it was.

Studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan for a month was the most amazing time of my life. I was quite anxious to go to Japan especially since it was going to be my first time leaving the US and flying by myself, however, I received incredible and immense support from the on-site program directors. Being immersed in Japanese culture through program activities like kimono wearing, calligraphy, tea ceremony, and just interacting with locals overall was wonderful. I was able to make friendships with some Japanese students which was so nice because they showed me beautiful places and foods to try. Not only did I make become friends with Japanese students, I also became close with the other study abroad students so I often went out to explore and have tons of fun with them everyday. Waking up everyday in Japan brought so much excitement because there is so much to see and do so I NEVER felt bored. As for Seisen University, the campus I attended in Tokyo, was beautiful and quiet. It was only a short train ride and walk away from my accommodation, so maybe a 20 minute commute. However, it is on a hill so it was quite a workout to walk to campus from the train station especially with the really hot and humid weather during the summer months. Then, the teachers were great! They were really interactive, entertaining, and passionate about what they were teaching. Since it was a summer program that only lasted a month, the courses were very fast paced especially the Japanese language courses. Also, the Japanese students were super friendly and kind and I always enjoyed talking to them and eating lunch with them. It was truly fascinating learning from them and I learning from them about our lives. Overall, I definitely recommend studying abroad with Cis abroad and choosing one of their Japan programs. It was a decision that I was highly doubting before I went but after experiencing it, I have no regrets at all and am very grateful for it. It is an opportunity that I wish everyone to experience.

Tremendous staff. Environment is like none other and they accommodate well. For Seville, the city has been tremendous and CIEE gives you a proper introduction to this magnificent city. Whether an intern or a student during one of the sessions, you can get along with everyone and overcome the anxieties of a new city