TV & Media Production Study Abroad Programs in South Korea

I think up until my semester at Korea University, South Korea felt like some far off fantasy. A place that I knew of but could never truly put my finger on. But, I can now say with full confidence that my time there was one of the best times of my life. I made the sweetest friends that I will keep for life, got to embrace Korean culture through excursions with WorldStrides and with friends that I made in Seoul, and got to grow as a person. I think the reassurance of having my WorldStrides program and onsite staff there to help me gave me the ability to have the fullest experience I could have had. I got to see some of the most beautiful sights, ask questions (even the silly ones), and always felt safe. If you are considering going abroad, especially to Seoul, you 100% should. The country and culture are wonderful and the onsite staff there will become an extension of your Korean family. :)

I honestly loved my time in Seoul. It was an amazing experience and it really opened my eyes to what’s outside of the United States. I was also able to travel to Japan (twice) and Thailand, so I really got to see different cultures.

I went to Korea University over the summer and it's safe to say it was the best summer yet. WorldStrides was extremely helpful and accommodating throughout the whole process. Their excursions were a lot of fun and gave me the opportunity to meet other students that came with WorldStrides as well. The staff was always available when needed and knew what to do when asked questions. The summer was so much fun, I got to travel all over Seoul and make memories everyday! I cannot recommend this enough!

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!

Semester in Seoul - Sogang University I studied at Sogang University with CIS Abroad in the spring semester of 2025 as part of a requirement for graduation in my degree plan. I was extremely hesitant about the trip at first, especially since it was my first time traveling abroad alone, and I would be living and studying in a completely new culture in a country where I didn’t know the language. But CIS Abroad made it so simple, easy, and fun. Before I even applied for the trip, CIS Abroad’s advisors and coordinators were there to answer any of my questions in a detailed and timely manner. Once I arrived in Seoul, my on-site program coordinator was there to help me every step of the way, arranging airport pickup and even a hotel to stay at with others on the CIS Abroad trip the first night, after such a long flight and jet lag, so that we could be fully rested before checking into our dorms the next day. Our on-site coordinator also helped us exchange currency, get an e-sim card, and provided dinner and breakfast while we were settling in. We all had a barrage of questions, but she was very informative and friendly. The next day, when we arrived and checked into our dorm, our program coordinator stayed nearby in case we needed anything. We had several welcome events and orientations, both by CIS Abroad and Sogang University, in the next few days to help us adjust to life in Seoul. Everyone was extremely helpful and friendly, while letting us maintain our independence and explore the city on our own. One of my favorite parts of my study abroad was how quickly I made friends with other exchange students and other CIS Abroad members. It’s tough making friends in college, but our cohort was small enough and we had enough events together that we all got to know each other really well. I always had someone to explore a new restaurant with or walk through the streets of Hongdae. Although we may live on separate sides of the U.S., we still text and call every day. Because I was studying abroad in Seoul, I expected to meet lots of Korean students, but I was surprised at how many friends I made with exchange students from across the world. Some of my favorite cross-cultural exchanges were learning Swedish drinking games from two students from Stockholm, working on a group project with a student from Kazakhstan, and learning the colloquial differences between Spanish in Mexico (being from Texas, that’s most of the Spanish I hear) versus the Spanish in Spain from a classmate from Valencia. CIS Abroad arranged several excursions and trips specifically for CIS Abroad students. These excursions never felt rushed or done on a budget; they were the perfect mix of cultural education and fun. Some of my favorite excursions were the Seoul scavenger hunt, hanbok rental experience and visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace (a classic Seoul must-do), an overnight trip to Yangyang Beach where we got to surf and visit several incredible Korean Buddhist temples, and the farewell dinner in Namsan Tower overlooking Seoul at a fancy restaurant with a four-course meal. Often after class or on the weekends, I would explore Seoul on my own. I loved eating at a solo BBQ restaurant and then going window shopping in Hongdae. One of my favorite activities was hiking famous trails like Inwangsan and Bukhansan. Hiking is a popular pastime for many Korean retirees, so I got to practice my basic Korean skills and share some snacks with locals, while also visiting temples and learning about Seoul’s history while traversing the mountains. One of the things I miss most about Korea are the traditional bathhouses, or Jjimjilbangs, with saunas, cheap massages and body scrubs, and various cold and hot baths. Korea is also known for its drinking culture and nightlife. Although we always made sure to practice basic safety tips like watching our drinks, avoiding clubs with bad reputations, and staying together in groups, we never felt unsafe or harassed while walking the streets, even at 2 or 3 a.m. Because I was there for a semester, I was able to take it easy. If I felt like laying in bed all day (I rarely did), I could, and then hit the ground running the next day exploring. I got to see a lot of things that on a one- or two-week vacation I would never do, like visiting the Seoul Botanical Gardens, taking a trip to Jeju with friends, or exploring the underground shopping malls in Gangnam. I loved my study abroad, and Seoul will always be in my heart. I am forever grateful to CIS Abroad for making it possible.

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 never imagined that studying abroad could feel so personal, but joining a faculty-led AIFS program gave me the perfect balance of adventure and familiarity. I spent my Spring 2025 at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea, and the experience was everything I hoped for including personalized learning, a small and open-minded cohort, and a city that constantly amazed me. The AIFS staff were incredible. My directors were always available, whether I needed help navigating cultural differences or just someone to talk to. My dorm was a peaceful retreat: a single room with a kitchenette and private bathroom, ideal for winding down after very full days. Excursions like Namsan Tower and our trip to Busan weren’t just scenic, they were the moments that bonded my cohort as a group. I left Korea with lifelong friendships and a deeper understanding of myself. I gained confidence, independence, and a renewed passion for learning thanks to two professors who truly inspired me. My advice? Study abroad your way. FOMO is real, but don’t burn yourself out trying to do everything. You made it there and that’s already something to be proud of. AIFS Abroad gave me the structure and support to thrive, and I’d recommend it to anyone ready to grow beyond borders.

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!

Choosing this program was truly the best choice I ever made. I made lifelong friends with the other students I met in my CIS group as well as discovering the most amazing things about a country I can now never forget about. I experienced highs and lows all while completing challenging schoolwork on weekdays and traveling to different parts of Korea on weekends. I found amazing restaurants in nooks and crannies and got lost in subway stations (more times than I’m willing to admit). If I could go back in time and choose between this program and any other one, I would choose this one again and again, just to relive the amazing experience I had.

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!

Participating in the Korea University Summer Program was one of the best life decisions I've ever made. For one, this experience made more independent and self-confident. Stepping out of my comfort zone to try new things and navigate through many obstacles such as language barriers and culture shocks allowed me to grow proud of myself and be more confident that I can accomplish more in my future travel journeys. The cultural activities hosted both by TEAN and Korea University made the trip even more special. Some activities include a weekend trip to Busan, a day trip to Lotte World, and attending a baseball game with other students. All the activities I engaged allowed me to embrace Korean culture and learn about its history in a non-intimidating way. Making connections with different types of people was also a highlight of this experience. I made connections and new friendships with Korean locals and students of different cultural backgrounds. They allowed me to develop connections with Korean locals and other abroad students. Everyone I met along the way was super welcoming and made my study abroad journey even more exciting. If you’re looking for a summer or a short-term study abroad program, I highly recommend this one!

Everything about the summer study abroad program was truly life changing. I feel forever grateful that I got the opportunity to study abroad in a country i’ve always wanted to travel to and learn from. I would recommend anyone to do this program