Eager to follow in the footsteps of a college student who did a customized faculty-led program in South Korea? We recently caught up with Angelyna from California State University, Long Beach, who studied abroadin the capital city of Seoul during the spring semester.
Discover how Angelyna’s experience with AIFS Abroad helped her become more independent and expand her horizons!
Choosing a Program Destination & Term
Picking a program destination can be one of the most fun parts of the pre-arrival process. You get to research countries, cities, and programs that interest you—and with AIFS Abroad, there are dozens of exciting destinations within reach. Hear why Angelyna chose to study abroad in Seoul:
“I’ve always wanted to study abroad. I was really lucky that my aunt and uncle studied abroad in their college years, so they encouraged me… [They] really loved K-pop [when I was] growing up, and then I got my mom into it. So all of my family [was] involved in Korean culture. And then I thought, what’s better than studying abroad there and actually experiencing it for myself?”
Choosing a term often depends on your academic track and your personal preferences. Fortunately, AIFS Abroad offers full-semester and short-term programs throughout the year, so you can study abroad whenever it’s convenient for you. Below, Angelyna explains her experience of studying abroad in Seoul during the spring semester:
“I went during the Spring term, which was perfect. The winter from February to early March was magical, and the cherry blossoms were in bloom by early April. We got to experience both local holidays and everyday life without the heavy tourist crowds. It made the city feel more authentic and accessible.”
Why AIFS Abroad?
Angelyna did a customized faculty-led (CFL) program with AIFS Abroad. We provide students in our CFL programs with logistical support, student services, classrooms, housing, comprehensive insurance, and cultural activities abroad. CFL students take one or more courses abroad with a faculty member from their home university. Below, Angelyna explains that her university’s CFL program offering was a big factor in her choosing AIFS Abroad:
“I chose AIFS because the program was led by faculty from my home college, which gave me a sense of comfort while stepping into a new cultural experience. I’d heard that AIFS was known for its strong support system and well-organized programs, and that absolutely proved true. The Program Directors were incredible as they were always available, kind, and genuinely invested in our experience.”
Academic Experience in Seoul
Angelyna took three classes during her program abroad: Korean 101, taught by a professor at Sogang University in Seoul, and two Cinematic Arts courses, taught by a professor from her home university. Below, she describes her experience at Sogang University:
“I studied at Sogang University, and it was a great experience. The campus was welcoming, and… my courses included the AIFS students in my cohort and my CSULB faculty professor. The small class sizes made it easy to participate and build strong relationships with professors and classmates.”
As Angelyna explains, she found her courses abroad extremely rewarding, and her schedule provided plenty of time to explore the city after class:
“Studying abroad was really beneficial because the courses I was taking felt ten times more impactful [as] I was abroad [and] my time was limited. So, when I was in class, I was actively learning and making sure I was absorbing [everything]. Outside [my classes], I had as much fun as I could. It didn’t even feel like the typical school routine. It felt so fun and more rewarding, knowing that after tests I could go explore and do a new thing.”
AIFS Abroad Program Support
Another benefit of AIFS Abroad programs is that no matter where you go with us, you’ll have helpful, friendly on-site support staff to assist you. Hear Angelyna explain her experience with her Program Directors in Seoul:
“I was so lucky to have [amazing] Program Directors… They were the best because they were so down to earth, and it made talking to them really easy. So that made me feel more welcome to go to them with problems such as homesickness and any struggles I had.
They were always open to hanging out with us and guiding us wherever needed, and they just made Seoul feel so much more approachable, especially as someone who didn’t speak fluent Korean going [in]. I was a bit afraid and apprehensive trying new things, but they were so quick to meet with me and put me on all their favorite spots.”
Navigating Language Barriers
If you’re interested in studying abroad in South Korea, don’t let your unfamiliarity with the Korean language stop you! As Angelyna said, you don’t need to be fluent to study abroad there; in a pinch, you can always use your phone to help you translate:
“Korean isn’t my native language, and I wasn’t fluent before arriving, but that didn’t stop me. You don’t need to be fluent to join the program, and locals were incredibly patient and kind. My language skills improved [by] taking Korean 101 with a Korean native Sogang University professor, and just by practicing daily phrases and chatting with people like the bakery owner near campus.
Yes, there were moments of confusion, especially with slang or fast speech, but nothing that couldn’t be solved with a smile and Google Translate. Most locals were understanding and helpful, and I learned to embrace the challenge as part of the adventure.”
Not only were the language barriers manageable in Seoul, but they also provided opportunities to improve Angelyna’s speaking skills and develop meaningful relationships with locals, which she recalls below:
“One of my favorite relationships was with a local bakery owner who helped me practice Korean and gifted me bread; it was such a sweet reminder of how kindness transcends language. …I’ll never forget ordering in that bakery, chatting in broken Korean, and laughing with the owner… It made me feel truly seen and welcomed. That warmth and connection will stay with me for life… My advice: be open, say yes to conversations, and don’t be afraid to initiate.”
Cultural Appreciation
Wherever you decide to study or intern abroad, you’ll have the chance to discover an entirely new culture with unique local customs and perspectives. As Angelyna learned, cultural differences can often lead to a new outlook on life:
“I deeply admired the respect and intentionality in Korean culture, from the way meals are shared to how elders are honored. It made me more mindful and appreciative in my own routines back home. I now carry that sense of thoughtfulness into my daily life, especially in how I connect with others.”
With cultural differences sometimes comes culture shock—a natural part of adjusting to a new place. While it may sound intimidating, as Angelyna discovered, it’s an opportunity to become more adaptable and resilient:
“Adjusting to the fast-paced lifestyle and language barrier took time. I had to learn to slow down, be patient with myself, and embrace not knowing everything. I grew by leaning into discomfort and realizing that growth often comes from unfamiliar places. It taught me resilience and adaptability.”
Trips & Excursions
Every AIFS Abroad program includes trips and excursions that take you around your host city or country. They’re opportunities to learn more about your program destination, see local points of interest, and connect with other students in your program. Below, Angelyna describes her first excursion in South Korea, during which it finally hit her that she was doing it, her months of planning had paid off—she was studying abroad in Seoul:
“I attended several AIFS-sponsored excursions, including [a trip to] Namsan Tower… This was actually one of the first stops I ever made in my first week in Korea. It was a Saturday after a hectic week of classes and getting [adjusted] to things. This was our first AIFS excursion—we went to the main palace and then Namsan Tower afterwards… I remember this was my big ‘whoa’ moment [where I realized] I am in Korea. And it really hit me that I was going to study abroad there for three months—this is actually happening after a year and a half of planning. Especially being [at Namsan, where] you can actually go into this observatory area and see the whole city, it was so mind-boggling.
You can never replace those first feelings of realizing you’re in another country—you have so much to explore, so much to do. Even now, I can’t stop smiling about it.”
Personal Growth Abroad
Whether you’re not sure which direction you want to take your future, or you’re committed to pursuing a particular field, studying abroad can help you learn more about yourself and reveal possible career paths and new interests. It’s a chance to grow as a person and expand your personal and academic horizons. Hear Angelyna explain how studying abroad helped provide some clarity and hope for her future:
“I am 20, but I am still trying to figure out what to do from here on out. I think being abroad really makes you think about that in the long term, too. When you’re [abroad], you [think], ‘What do you want for yourself and where do you want to go?’
Being able to travel abroad and live abroad really expanded my horizons, in that I’m not just limiting myself to my home country… I can imagine myself flourishing outward and going to different parts of the world… I was even looking into studying abroad for my master’s program… in the future. I have very high hopes for myself ever since this journey.”
Are you a student ready to take the leap and study abroad like Angelyna did in Seoul 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 study abroad. Whether you’re joining a customized faculty-led program or a traditional study abroad program, you can enjoy our valuable program inclusions (which take 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.
