Experiences with high school study abroad programs in Korea?

Hey, I'm seriously considering applying for a study abroad program in Korea. Anyone here with experience willing to share? Things like living arrangements, language barriers, and how you balanced schoolwork would be super helpful. Thanks a ton!

Hey there! Many American students who study abroad in Korea initially feel a bit anxious about the language barrier, but many people in the big cities, like Seoul, do speak some English, and you'll often be provided with basic language classes as part of the program, which usually saves you from feeling completely lost.

For living arrangements, many programs pair students with a host family, which is great for immersion and understanding the culture. Often, students say their host family feels like a second family by the time they leave. However, some programs may have you in apartment-style living with other program participants instead, so if you're looking for a particular living arrangement, make sure to check for that on each program's website.

Balancing schoolwork can be a bit of a challenge at first, especially with the temptation to explore. However, you'll eventually figure out how to set aside dedicated study time, which doesn't necessarily have to take away from your cultural exploration—studying in a public library or even just a cafe in Korea is a different experience than doing so in the States.

While study abroad does present some challenges, those challenges are the whole reason why the experience is known for being so transformative—you're pushed to learn things about yourself that you never would have discovered if you had just stayed in your home country. So, take the plunge, and best of luck once you land in Korea!