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Eager to step into the footsteps of a college student who is experiencing life in Seoul? We recently caught up with AIFS Abroad student Lilian, an English Linguistics and Art History major from Ball State University who spent her summer break studying abroad in the bustling capital of South Korea 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.
“I was interested in South Korea because I want to be an English teacher [there] once I graduate, and what could be better than spending a summer there?”
– Lilian from Ball State University
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! But before you get there, it can often be helpful to learn a little bit of the language to help you assimilate upon arrival. Hear from Lilian about her recommendation to learn Hangul, the Korean alphabet, prior to jetting off to Seoul:
“Hangul is considered to be one of the easiest alphabets to learn with only 14 consonants and 10 vowels. I learned Hangul and a few words and sayings and I was fine. While there, I also learned a few things here and there based on everyday scenarios.
However, if you do not have time to learn Hangul, don’t sweat it. Seoul is an international hub, in very touristy areas like Hongdae, Myeongdong, and by major tourist attractions people spoke English. I also recommend downloading an app called ‘Papago’ for translations.”
Cultural Differences and Immersion
When you study abroad, you are exposed to cultural norms that may differ from your own. You may also be faced with scenarios where you’re immediately perceived as a non-local, and that’s okay! Take it as an opportunity to have an exchange — you may learn something, and they may, too!
“Experiencing a new culture is very beneficial… I recommend embracing the differences. Koreans can look at you and know you are a foreigner, [but] they always give you the benefit of the doubt. Also, as long as you are respectful and they see you are trying, you’ll be fine…
Seoul is the capital and the biggest city in South Korea, they are used to seeing foreigners all of the time. Personally I did not have a problem with people staring at me and I have tan skin and curly hair, however everyone has different experiences.”
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 Lilian’s case, she found herself having to get used to some minor differences — but overall transitioned into Korean culture seamlessly.
“Believe it or not, adapting to the way of life there was not hard. Besides buying a T-Money card (used for public transportation and sometimes as a debit card), nothing was really that different in my way of life back in America. My classes were similar to how my classes in America are set up, the trash organization system, and figuring out the transportation system. Things were similar to America, [but] I would say that South Korea is probably a little more convenient. Personally, I would say if you are willing to adapt to change, you will.”
But what about other cultural experiences abroad, both in every day life and unique one-off experiences?
“As someone who has been to two other countries, South Korea has very nice and understanding people! From the time I was at a restaurant and I spilled sauce on my purse and the lady who worked there helped me clean the stain off my purse, to people helping you order food at restaurants, to people always willing to help you when you need help with directions or how the bus system works. I found that people will help you if you are a foreigner because they want to practice their English, which happened a lot whenever I went shopping…
One of my favorite things to do in South Korea was to draw the palaces — there are five in Korea. While drawing, I had many South Koreans come up to me to tell me they liked my drawing or just to ask where I was from and why I was in Korea. One memory that comes to mind was when I was at Changgyeonggung Palace and I had a woman come up to me who worked there — she didn’t know much English and I didn’t know much Korean, and we sat together for 30 minutes and had a full conversation. There was a lot of gesturing going on but it was enjoyable. It is the small things like this that made South Korea so special for me.”
Navigating Seoul
One of the most exciting parts of studying abroad or doing an international internship is exploring a new city. The idea of navigating public transportation in a new place, however, can be a little intimidating — but don’t worry, it’s normal to feel that way! With a little bit of preparation, you’ll be a pro in no time — just like Lilian.
“I would recommend to everyone, TAKE THE BUS!!! It is so convenient and easy to navigate. I recommend downloading ‘NAVER map,’ because Google/Apple Maps do not work in South Korea. The bus can get you anywhere, which makes exploring easier and it is super cheap! Remember, don’t be scared to try or use the bus/subway because it is unfamiliar, because before you know it, you will be so familiar with it that you won’t even have to put in directions to get to some places. Around the last week and half of my trip I could get to multiple places by memory because I went there very often or the bus/subway route was easy to remember.”
On-Site Support
Did you know? Each AIFS Abroad study abroad and international internship program has local on-site staff to support students throughout their journey and to help with any questions or advice they may need during their global education experience. Our program in Seoul, South Korea is no exception, and Lilian was thrilled to have such a steady support system.
“With AIFS, I had a 24/7 advisor I could reach out to, to ask her any questions or concerns I had. I recommend if you ever have questions never be nervous to reach out, and no question is a dumb question!”
Final Thoughts
Lilian’s final words of wisdom for future study abroad participants? Don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity like studying abroad because your fear got in the way!
“Overall, the best advice I would give is to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea and experience all these good things! Studying abroad can be scary, but trust me, once you are in the country you will be having the time of your life, and once you leave you’ll be sad. Don’t miss a once in a lifetime opportunity just because you are scared about the new and unknown. Experiencing the unknown is how you grow!”
Are you a student who’s ready to take the leap and study abroad in South Korea like Lilian 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.