Sabi’s Spring Semester in South Korea
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Wanting to step into the footsteps of a school scholar who studied overseas in South Korea? We just lately caught up with Sabi from Seattle Pacific College, a global enterprise main who studied overseas in Seoul through the spring semester.
Uncover how Sabi’s examine overseas expertise with AIFS Overseas helped him advance his diploma and study Korean.
Deciding The place & When to Research Overseas
With superb AIFS Overseas applications positioned in thrilling cities around the globe, it’s not at all times straightforward to decide on the place to check overseas. Hear Sabi clarify how he made the choice to examine overseas in Seoul and why he’s so glad he did:
“Initially, I wished to go to Tokyo, Japan, however was restricted by the choice that my college provided… Nevertheless, Seoul was a hidden treasure for me as a result of I didn’t know I used to be going to like it greater than I did Japan. I’d advocate this program to anybody who’s trying to go to Asia, who loves tech, enterprise, and life-style (make-up, Ok-pop, and so forth.), and doesn’t need to be crowded by many [other] foreigners… Additionally, in order for you a secure nation and are keen to attempt one thing new, then that is this system for you.”
Can’t resolve when to check overseas? With semester lengthy and short-term applications provided year-round by AIFS Overseas, it’s straightforward to select one which aligns along with your private preferences and tutorial monitor. Right here’s why Sabi selected to go overseas through the spring semester:
“I went through the [spring semester], which began in February and led to June. I selected it as a result of I wished to start out later within the college yr, like October, however Korea [has a different semester system]. I landed throughout low tourism however regularly noticed increasingly folks in direction of the springtime (April-June). I believe I had the perfect of each worlds as a result of it went from 0 to 12 levels Fahrenheit to 90 levels, nearer to the top of my journey. The varsity pageant was additionally extra pleasing as a result of it was hotter, but it surely was throughout peak rain season, which brought on a delay within the pageant, but it surely was so value it.”
College Expertise Overseas
Finding out overseas is an excellent approach to advance your diploma in a contemporary studying setting. You’ll be able to take programs from professors with distinctive cultural views, make associates with different college students from internationally, and acquire a brand new outlook in your research and life normally. Hear Sabi describe his expertise at Sogang College in Seoul:
“I studied at Sogang College and I beloved it. It’s a comparatively small college in comparison with its neighbor Yonsei and Ewha, however the location is so handy—10 minutes from Hongdae and fairly actually in the midst of Seoul… [There’s a] large combine [of people at the university], however you’ll discover your group actually quick.”
Sabi took the next 4 lessons at Sogang College:
- Administration Data Programs (Monday & Wednesday)
- Korean Language (Monday & Wednesday)
- Worldwide Relations (Wednesday & Friday)
- Judgement & Resolution Making (Wednesday & Friday)
Language Studying
AIFS Overseas contributors are not required to talk or study a second language to check overseas. Nevertheless, Sabi used the chance to take a Korean Language course and furthered his language studying outdoors of sophistication by making associates with locals. Under, he explains what it was like studying the language and navigating communication boundaries:
“For probably the most half, Koreans know a variety of English… I realized [a lot of] Korean with my associates speaking and listening… everybody was so good and keen to assist me. Nobody laughed at me for my errors, however I’d additionally ask for assist in announcing [words]. I knew little to no Korean earlier than I [arrived], and now I can take heed to straightforward conversations and get the gist of issues. To study the language quick, it’s a must to actually step out of your consolation zone and simply communicate and mess up. Discuss your ear off if that you must but in addition give your self time to course of and study issues too.”
Cultural Appreciation
South Korean tradition could be very totally different than American tradition, and whereas these variations can take some getting used to, Sabi grew to understand them:
“I actually loved the hierarchy [in South Korea], treating your elders with respect and speaking to any new stranger with formal greetings and phrases—[it was] so good and made me really feel like a neighborhood. I additionally prefer to joke round with my youthful associates to fill my water or to provide me issues as a result of I used to be the oldest within the group.”
Housing
Housing is included in all AIFS Overseas applications. Sabi stayed in a dorm on campus, which was ideally positioned and really safe, as he explains:
“I slept in [Sogang] College’s dorms they usually have been nice. The situation was good and the life-style across the constructing brings in so many individuals. There’s a variety of safety like scanning your card to even get into your room so you would by no means simply run out of the constructing with out your cellphone… General it was tremendous enjoyable, and also you get used to it.”
Making Associates Overseas
Many college students who examine overseas on their very own are desirous to make connections. Whereas setting out by your self may be daunting, you’ll have loads of alternatives to make associates with different college students in your program, together with locals in your host metropolis. Hear Sabi describe his expertise making a lifelong pal in Seoul:
“I made a extremely good pal whereas overseas and I believe he’ll be a lifelong pal. We did virtually every part collectively so most of my recollections [are] with him.”
Exploring Native Delicacies
Some of the enjoyable advantages of finding out overseas is attending to pattern the entire native flavors. South Korea is well-known for its delectable delicacies, particularly its candy and savory road meals. As Sabi explains, the meals in South Korea is scrumptious and reasonably priced:
“[It’s easy to] eat low-cost, you don’t must go to fancy eating places daily, the meals is at all times good anyplace you go… I attempted too many meals to say all of them, however my favourite was samgyeopsal (Pork Stomach) and fishcake udon… By far probably the most visited place was referred to as Sammi Tantanmyeon for his or her tiger hen.”
Private Development
The teachings you study once you examine overseas go far past the classroom. Typically, these experiences train you tips on how to be extra unbiased and supply instruments on tips on how to overcome private issues—serving to you develop as an individual and making ready you for all times after commencement. Hear Sabi discuss a few of the methods he grew throughout his examine overseas program in Seoul:
“I realized tips on how to respect what’s round me. Everybody in Korea is so ‘go go go,’ however since I don’t reside there and it’s totally different [for me as a study abroad student], I get to get pleasure from [the moment]… After I received again dwelling, [I realized] how a lot dwelling has modified and I see [it with a new perspective]. I went on a run again at dwelling, and I spotted that I by no means ran as soon as willingly in my very own little city, and it was good to see issues up shut.”
Why AIFS Overseas?
From supportive on-site employees to our included journeys and excursions, there are numerous causes faculty college students and younger professionals select AIFS Overseas. Under, Sabi explains that he went with AIFS Overseas due to our straightforward and supportive software course of, together with our aggressive pricing:
“I had by no means heard of AIFS earlier than… I discovered a flyer at my college. I had studied overseas in Spain beforehand [with a different provider], and after I [signed] up by means of AIFS, the method was simpler and virtually the identical value, if not cheaper. I selected AIFS due to how straightforward and the way keen they have been to work with me, and the worth as nicely… Everybody was tremendous useful and quick to answer to me… [they] at all times answered me and helped me ASAP.”
Are you able to take the leap and examine overseas like Sabi did in Seoul, South Korea with AIFS Overseas? We’d love that will help you begin your journey!
Right here at AIFS Overseas, we all know a factor or two about serving to faculty college students examine overseas. Our applications include many invaluable inclusions (which actually take the stress out of planning!), similar to housing, cultural and social actions, journeys and excursions, complete insurance coverage, 24/7 emergency assist, on-site employees, and extra. While you select AIFS Overseas, you’ll take consolation in understanding you’ll have assist all through your complete expertise.
