About New Beginnings: My Summer in Seoul Program
Experience a transformative summer in Seoul, South Korea, one of Asia's most vibrant and dynamic cities. This study abroad program places you at Yonsei University, a prestigious international institution hosting approximately 2,300 students from around the world each term. You'll immerse yourself in Korean culture while taking meaningful courses alongside peers from diverse countries and backgrounds, gaining truly global perspectives in your classroom learning.
Your summer in Seoul offers far more than academics. From day one, you'll navigate the efficient public transportation system, discover countless cafes and restaurants throughout neighborhoods like Hongdae, Sinchon, Seongsu, and Gangnam, and experience the unique blend of traditional and modern Korean life. Whether you're grabbing a bingsu (shaved ice dessert) at a trendy cafe, trying Korean hotpot for the first time, or discovering convenience store finds at 7/11, you'll engage authentically with local culture. Housing is provided near campus, with convenient access to shops, restaurants, and transportation hubs that make daily life manageable and enjoyable.
The program supports you through the initial adjustment period with WorldStrides group excursions and orientation activities, helping you build confidence to eventually explore the city independently. You'll develop practical skills—from mastering NAVER Maps to communicating with locals—while discovering how resilience and curiosity turn getting lost into genuine exploration and cultural discovery. The steep hills of Yonsei's beautiful campus become familiar, the city's layout becomes intuitive, and Seoul transforms from a distant dream into your lived experience.
This is an ideal program for undergraduates seeking substantial academic coursework in an international setting combined with deep cultural immersion. You'll return home not just with credits and memories, but with genuine independence, cross-cultural communication skills, and a transformed perspective on global citizenship. Whether you're interested in marketing, cultural studies, K-pop and consumer insight, or simply want to challenge yourself in a completely new environment, Seoul offers the perfect backdrop for personal and academic growth.