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Eager to step into the footsteps of a college student who is experiencing life in South Korea? We recently caught up with AIFS Abroad student McKailyn, a Secondary Math Education major with a minor in Spanish from Ball State University. She spent her summer break studying abroad in the capital city of Seoul on our program at Sogang University.
Read on to learn more about her study abroad experience with AIFS Abroad and the impact of being an international student in Seoul.
Choosing a Study Abroad Program Destination & Term
Deciding when and where to study abroad can be a challenge for a lot of students (our team can help with that!), but no matter where you go, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime! McKailyn chose Seoul, which is a spectacular option for students interested in living and learning in Asia. Hear more about why this dynamic Korean city was ideal for her summer term abroad.
“I have always wanted to visit South Korea, and in the future, I hope to teach English there with the Fulbright scholarship and afterward stay and teach math as well. I would definitely recommend going to South Korea to anyone who can! It was amazing; I met so many people, ate delicious food, and the city was so beautiful.”
But, why study abroad in Seoul during summer specifically?
“I chose to study there during the summer because with my major there are classes that are only offered during the fall or spring semesters, so I cannot study abroad during the regular academic year. July is monsoon season in Seoul, and it is also extremely humid, but honestly, it was so beautiful and you adjust and adapt to it so that it does not affect you as regularly (always carry an umbrella!).”
Academics in Seoul
One of the most exciting parts of studying abroad is taking unique, experiential courses at your host university or institution! It allows you to be in a different learning environment than you’re used to back at home, and can broaden your perspective. Through AIFS Abroad, McKailyn’s summer courses abroad were taken at Sogang University in Seoul, a highly competitive institution for local admissions that hosts around 8,000 students, including 1,350 international students.
“Everyone at Sogang was amazing and extremely helpful! There were field trips on Fridays that were guided and transportation was provided (cost was included in the tuition price). Also, there were buddy activities on Tuesdays with students from Sogang that went around Seoul. The buddy activities that I went on were: a Nanta performance, laser tag, baseball game, Coex Mall and Starfield Library, and a farewell dinner (K bbq). My classes were also amazing, and the professors were great!”
At Sogang University, study abroad students aren’t limited to only taking classes with students from their respective organizations. McKailyn got to make connections with students from around the world!
“My classes were mostly composed of other international students. In total, there were 3 AIFS students between my two classes. Some of my friends that I made had more AIFS students in their classes.”
Studying abroad presents a unique opportunity to take courses in a new setting. Whether you have requirements to fulfill to complete your degree or are looking to enroll in electives that simply pique your interest, there are tons of amazing learning opportunities! In McKailyn’s case, she focused primarily on Korean language and culture courses to satisfy requirements for her Honors program at her home institution.
“I took Beginning Korean Language and Korean Society. Honestly, I loved both of the courses and I can’t pick which one was my favorite. In my Korean Language class, I made quite a few friends and so many funny memories. Whereas, in my Korean Society class we had amazing discussions, I learned so much about Korean Society, and so many funny interactions. Neither of these classes counted towards my major, minor, or university core curriculum, however, they did count towards classes that I needed to take in the Honors College at Ball State University.”
Transitioning into a new academic setting can be an exciting challenge! While you’re used to life as a college student on your home university’s campus being a certain way, life as a student abroad isn’t going to be an exact replica of that experience — including in the classroom. McKailyn’s study abroad courses in Seoul were set up a bit differently than the ones she typically takes at Ball State University, sharing:
“The classes were a little different because they were three hours long each (10 am to 12:50 pm, and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm). There were breaks built into the classes that helped immensely to stay concentrated. The courses were also very fast-paced, but that was also because they were 4-week courses.”
Language Learning
Fun fact: It’s not a requirement to be fluent in a foreign language to study abroad! While some course options may require a certain level of proficiency, we can accommodate language learners of all levels on our programs. If language immersion scares you a bit, you can always choose to study abroad in an English-speaking country, but we encourage you to push yourself out of your comfort zone if you’re at all interested. It can be incredibly exciting to learn a new language as a student abroad — both inside and outside of the classroom!
Hear about McKailyn’s experience with the Korean language as a study abroad student in Seoul with AIFS Abroad:
“Before traveling to South Korea I knew how to read Hangul and some basic words/phrases. While I was there though, my Korean improved immensely. This was because of the Korean Language course that I took, and being surrounded by the language. An important thing to work on is your listening, because if you can at least understand what they are saying you might be able to point, explain with hands, or use broken Korean to communicate.”
Housing
Did you know all AIFS Abroad programs include housing? Typical options include shared apartments, student residences/dorms, and living with a local family in a homestay. McKailyn’s accommodations in Seoul were in a student residence.
“I lived in the international dorm on campus. My roommate was another AIFS student and we became great friends during our program duration. In our room, we had our own bathroom, shower, personal wardrobes, beds, and desks.”
Making Friends Abroad
College is often the first time many students are out on their own, forging friendships with other students that can become almost like family. Because of this, it can be understandable that some are on the fence about doing a study abroad program alone or consider holding off applying until a friend is available to go with them. Obviously the more the merrier, but we recommend that you study abroad when it’s convenient for you. Chances are you’ll forge new friendships once abroad, like McKailyn did as a student in Seoul with AIFS Abroad.
“I did not know anyone before going on this study abroad. Before the program I had spoken to another girl off and on, who funnily enough ended up being my roommate. There were also two students from my home university that went whom I did not know, but I became good friends with one of them and coincidentally we have a class together when we return in the fall. Another weird coincidence was that someone who went to my high school but was a year older than me was also in the program and we had our Korean Society class together.
Apart from those weird coincidences, I made a lot of friends through my classes, the buddy activities, and just by going around Seoul. I am a very introverted person and I tend to stick to myself, the best advice that I can provide is to not be afraid to go up to someone and strike up a conversation, or if they approach you do not run away from the conversation.”
Social & Cultural Activities
Each and every AIFS Abroad program includes social and cultural activities, as well as excursions — and our study abroad program in Seoul is no exception! These co-curricular experiences are an amazing way to learn outside of the classroom, and for students to get to know their host region and its culture. Our students in Seoul can choose from a variety of activity options, but McKailyn loved being able to visit the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between South Korea and North Korea.
“I loved the DMZ tour that we did, it provided a visual perspective into the conflict between North and South Korea. As much as I have read about it and learned about it in my Korean Society class, it was completely different from being there and seeing it in person. Also, when we were at the observation point we were able to see North Korea and even saw North Korean citizens with binoculars. It was also intriguing to learn that people actually live in the DMZ, not physically in the active military zone, but past the checkpoint.”
Cultural Immersion
When you first arrive to your study abroad destination and start to transition into your life overseas, odds are you may experience a little bit of culture shock. Traditions, customs, language, and the overall culture can feel overwhelming to some — but eventually, you find yourself immersed and really relishing in some of the differences! And the truth is, it’s unique to each student. Everyone experiences it at different levels! In McKailyn’s case, she found herself having to get used to some minor differences — but overall transitioned into Korean culture seamlessly.
“I do not think I experienced a great culture shock being in South Korea. It did take a bit of time to adjust to some of the staring that I received and people being unafraid to approach me, but they were all good experiences.”
But what about cultural experiences abroad, both in every day life and unique one-off experiences?
“I loved how kind, welcoming, and approachable people were in South Korea. Quite a few times I had people ask me where I was from, why I chose to come to Korea, and what I enjoyed about being there. People were also so kind and patient, especially when I stumbled through the little Korean that I know.
I loved going to the palaces and museums while I was there and learned so much about Seoul and South Korea overall. A lot of the museums were all free or were reduced price for being under 24 or an undergraduate student. I also loved how the city was a mix of traditional and modern, especially in the Jongno district of Seoul.”
Growth through Education Abroad
Studying abroad can bring about huge growth in all realms — personal, professional, academic, and more. McKailyn’s summer in Seoul made a profound impact on her personal development and confirmed her plans for the future.
“I pushed myself further than I thought that I would. I was in a foreign country, halfway across the world, and no one knew me there. It was scary at first, but it was liberating. Personally, I made a lot more friends and spoke to so many people, that I normally wouldn’t have because I tend to stick to myself or familiar people. Being in South Korea, solidified my desire to return and teach English and math there after I graduate from Ball State.”
Final Thoughts
McKailyn’s final words of wisdom for future study abroad participants? Seize the momen!
“Don’t be scared to go to a foreign country alone. Take the time while you are young, and you never know when you may experience this again.”
Are you a student who’s ready to take the leap and study abroad in Seoul like McKailyn did with AIFS Abroad? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students and pre-professionals study and intern abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.