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Desperate to step into the footsteps of a faculty scholar who studied overseas in South Korea? We lately caught up with Sabi from Seattle Pacific College, a world enterprise main who studied overseas in Seoul through the spring semester.
Uncover how Sabi’s research overseas expertise with AIFS Overseas helped him advance his diploma and study Korean.
Deciding The place & When to Examine Overseas
With superb AIFS Overseas packages situated in thrilling cities all over the world, it’s not at all times straightforward to decide on the place to review overseas. Hear Sabi clarify how he made the choice to review overseas in Seoul and why he’s so glad he did:
“Initially, I needed to go to Tokyo, Japan, however was restricted by the choice that my college provided… Nonetheless, Seoul was a hidden treasure for me as a result of I didn’t know I used to be going to find it irresistible greater than I did Japan. I might suggest this program to anybody who’s seeking to go to Asia, who loves tech, enterprise, and way of life (make-up, Ok-pop, and so on.), and doesn’t wish to be crowded by many [other] foreigners… Additionally, in order for you a secure nation and are prepared to attempt one thing new, then that is this system for you.”
Can’t resolve when to review overseas? With semester lengthy and short-term packages provided year-round by AIFS Overseas, it’s straightforward to choose one which aligns along with your private preferences and educational observe. 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 needed to start out later within the college 12 months, like October, however Korea [has a different semester system]. I landed throughout low tourism however progressively noticed increasingly individuals in the direction of the springtime (April-June). I feel I had the very best of each worlds as a result of it went from 0 to 12 levels Fahrenheit to 90 levels, nearer to the tip of my journey. The college pageant was additionally extra pleasing as a result of it was hotter, but it surely was throughout peak rain season, which brought about a delay within the pageant, but it surely was so value it.”
College Expertise Overseas
Finding out overseas is an excellent strategy to advance your diploma in a recent studying surroundings. You’ll be able to take programs from professors with distinctive cultural views, make mates with different college students from the world over, 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 liked 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] extensive combine [of people at the university], however you’ll discover your group actually quick.”
Sabi took the next 4 courses at Sogang College:
- Administration Data Techniques (Monday & Wednesday)
- Korean Language (Monday & Wednesday)
- Worldwide Relations (Wednesday & Friday)
- Judgement & Choice Making (Wednesday & Friday)
Language Studying
AIFS Overseas contributors aren’t required to talk or study a second language to review overseas. Nonetheless, Sabi used the chance to take a Korean Language course and furthered his language studying exterior of sophistication by making mates with locals. Beneath, he explains what it was like studying the language and navigating communication limitations:
“For probably the most half, Koreans know lots of English… I discovered [a lot of] Korean with my mates speaking and listening… everybody was so good and prepared to assist me. Nobody laughed at me for my errors, however I might additionally ask for assist in saying [words]. I knew little to no Korean earlier than I [arrived], and now I can hearken to straightforward conversations and get the gist of issues. To study the language quick, you need to actually step out of your consolation zone and simply communicate and mess up. Discuss your ear off if it’s good to but in addition give your self time to course of and study issues too.”
Cultural Appreciation
South Korean tradition may be very completely 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 wish to joke round with my youthful mates to fill my water or to present me issues as a result of I used to be the oldest within the group.”
Housing
Housing is included in all AIFS Overseas packages. Sabi stayed in a dorm on campus, which was ideally situated and really safe, as he explains:
“I slept in [Sogang] College’s dorms and so they have been nice. The situation was excellent and the life-style across the constructing brings in so many individuals. There may be lots of safety like scanning your card to even get into your room so you can by no means simply run out of the constructing with out your telephone… Total it was tremendous enjoyable, and also you get used to it.”
Making Buddies Overseas
Many college students who research overseas on their very own are desperate to make connections. Whereas setting out by your self will be daunting, you’ll have loads of alternatives to make mates with different college students in your program, together with locals in your host metropolis. Hear Sabi describe his expertise making a lifelong buddy in Seoul:
“I made a extremely good buddy whereas overseas and I feel he’ll be a lifelong buddy. We did nearly every part collectively so most of my reminiscences [are] with him.”
Exploring Native Delicacies
One of the vital enjoyable advantages of finding out overseas is attending to pattern all the native flavors. South Korea is well-known for its delectable delicacies, particularly its candy and savory avenue meals. As Sabi explains, the meals in South Korea is scrumptious and reasonably priced:
“[It’s easy to] eat low-cost, you don’t need to 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 Progress
The teachings you study if you research overseas go far past the classroom. Typically, these experiences train you methods to be extra unbiased and supply instruments on methods to overcome private issues—serving to you develop as an individual and making ready you for all times after commencement. Hear Sabi talk about a few of the methods he grew throughout his research overseas program in Seoul:
“I discovered methods to respect what’s round me. Everybody in Korea is so ‘go go go,’ however since I don’t reside there and it’s completely different [for me as a study abroad student], I get to get pleasure from [the moment]… Once I obtained again residence, [I realized] how a lot residence has modified and I see [it with a new perspective]. I went on a run again at residence, 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 workers to our included journeys and excursions, there are numerous causes faculty college students and younger professionals select AIFS Overseas. Beneath, 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 once I [signed] up by AIFS, the method was simpler and nearly the identical value, if not cheaper. I selected AIFS due to how straightforward and the way prepared they have been to work with me, and the worth as properly… 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 research overseas like Sabi did in Seoul, South Korea with AIFS Overseas? We’d love that can assist you begin your journey!
Right here at AIFS Overseas, we all know a factor or two about serving to faculty college students research overseas. Our packages include many helpful inclusions (which actually take the stress out of planning!), reminiscent of housing, cultural and social actions, journeys and excursions, complete insurance coverage, 24/7 emergency help, on-site workers, and extra. Once you select AIFS Overseas, you’ll take consolation in realizing you’ll have help all through your complete expertise.
