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Wanting to step into the footsteps of a school scholar who studied overseas in South Korea? We not too long ago caught up with Sabi from Seattle Pacific College, a world enterprise main who studied overseas in Seoul throughout the spring semester.
Uncover how Sabi’s research overseas expertise with AIFS Overseas helped him advance his diploma and be taught Korean.
Deciding The place & When to Examine Overseas
With superb AIFS Overseas applications positioned in thrilling cities around the globe, it’s not all the time straightforward to decide on the place to check overseas. Hear Sabi clarify how he made the choice to research 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 faculty supplied… 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 advocate 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 need to be crowded by many [other] foreigners… Additionally, if you’d like a protected nation and are prepared to attempt one thing new, then that is this system for you.”
Can’t determine when to check overseas? With semester lengthy and short-term applications supplied year-round by AIFS Overseas, it’s straightforward to select one which aligns together with your private preferences and tutorial observe. Right here’s why Sabi selected to go overseas throughout the spring semester:
“I went throughout the [spring semester], which began in February and led to June. I selected it as a result of I wished to begin later within the faculty 12 months, 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 very best 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 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 price it.”
College Expertise Overseas
Finding out overseas is a superb strategy to advance your diploma in a recent studying setting. You may take programs from professors with distinctive cultural views, make associates with different college students from the world over, and achieve a brand new outlook in your research and life typically. Hear Sabi describe his expertise at Sogang College in Seoul:
“I studied at Sogang College and I beloved it. It’s a comparatively small faculty 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] broad combine [of people at the university], however you’ll discover your group actually quick.”
Sabi took the next 4 lessons at Sogang College:
- Administration Info Techniques (Monday & Wednesday)
- Korean Language (Monday & Wednesday)
- Worldwide Relations (Wednesday & Friday)
- Judgement & Choice Making (Wednesday & Friday)
Language Studying
AIFS Overseas contributors are not required to talk or be taught a second language to check overseas. Nonetheless, 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 limitations:
“For essentially the most half, Koreans know plenty of English… I realized [a lot of] Korean with my associates 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 take heed to straightforward conversations and get the gist of issues. To be taught the language quick, you need to actually step out of your consolation zone and simply communicate and mess up. Speak your ear off if it is advisable but additionally give your self time to course of and be taught issues too.”
Cultural Appreciation
South Korean tradition may 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 offer 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 had been nice. The situation was excellent and the life-style across the constructing brings in so many individuals. There’s plenty of safety like scanning your card to even get into your room so you might by no means simply run out of the constructing with out your cellphone… Total it was tremendous enjoyable, and also you get used to it.”
Making Associates Overseas
Many college students who research overseas on their very own are desirous to make connections. Whereas setting out by your self could 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 good friend in Seoul:
“I made a extremely good good friend whereas overseas and I believe he’ll be a lifelong good friend. We did virtually all the pieces collectively so most of my recollections [are] with him.”
Exploring Native Delicacies
One of the 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 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 need to go to fancy eating places daily, the meals is all the time 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 essentially the most visited place was referred to as Sammi Tantanmyeon for his or her tiger rooster.”
Private Progress
The teachings you be taught while you research overseas go far past the classroom. Usually, these experiences train you learn how to be extra unbiased and supply instruments on learn how to overcome private issues—serving to you develop as an individual and making ready you for all times after commencement. Hear Sabi talk about among the methods he grew throughout his research overseas program in Seoul:
“I realized learn how to admire what’s round me. Everybody in Korea is so ‘go go go,’ however since I don’t dwell there and it’s totally different [for me as a study abroad student], I get to take pleasure in [the moment]… Once I bought 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. Under, Sabi explains that he went with AIFS Overseas due to our straightforward and supportive utility course of, together with our aggressive pricing:
“I had by no means heard of AIFS earlier than… I discovered a flyer at my faculty. I had studied overseas in Spain beforehand [with a different provider], and once I [signed] up via AIFS, the method was simpler and virtually the identical value, if not cheaper. I selected AIFS due to how straightforward and the way prepared they had been to work with me, and the value as properly… Everybody was tremendous useful and quick to answer to me… [they] all the time 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 will help 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 applications include many invaluable 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. While you select AIFS Overseas, you’ll take consolation in understanding you’ll have help all through your total expertise.
