Embracing Seoul with CIS Abroad at Sogang University

I studied at Sogang University with CIS Abroad in the spring semester of 2025 as part of a requirement for graduation in my degree plan. I was extremely hesitant about the trip at first, especially since it was my first time traveling abroad alone, and I would be living and studying in a completely new culture in a country where I didn’t know the language.

But CIS Abroad made it so simple, easy, and fun. Before I even applied for the trip, CIS Abroad’s advisors and coordinators were there to answer any of my questions in a detailed and timely manner. Once I arrived in Seoul, my on-site program coordinator was there to help me every step of the way, arranging airport pickup and even a hotel to stay at with others on the CIS Abroad trip the first night, after such a long flight and jet lag, so that we could be fully rested before checking into our dorms the next day.

Our on-site coordinator also helped us exchange currency, get an e-sim card, and provided dinner and breakfast while we were settling in. We all had a barrage of questions, but she was very informative and friendly. The next day, when we arrived and checked into our dorm, our program coordinator stayed nearby in case we needed anything. We had several welcome events and orientations, both by CIS Abroad and Sogang University, in the next few days to help us adjust to life in Seoul. Everyone was extremely helpful and friendly, while letting us maintain our independence and explore the city on our own.

Because I was studying abroad in Seoul, I expected to meet lots of Korean students, but I was surprised at how many friends I made with exchange students from across the world. Some of my favorite cross-cultural exchanges were learning Swedish drinking games from two students from Stockholm, working on a group project with a student from Kazakhstan, and learning the colloquial differences between Spanish in Mexico (being from Texas, that’s most of the Spanish I hear) versus the Spanish in Spain from a classmate from Valencia.

CIS Abroad arranged several excursions and trips specifically for CIS Abroad students. These excursions never felt rushed or done on a budget; they were the perfect mix of cultural education and fun. Some of my favorite excursions were the Seoul scavenger hunt, hanbok rental experience and visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace (a classic Seoul must-do), an overnight trip to Yangyang Beach where we got to surf and visit several incredible Korean Buddhist temples, and the farewell dinner in Namsan Tower overlooking Seoul at a fancy restaurant with a four-course meal.

Often after class or on the weekends, I would explore Seoul on my own. I loved eating at a solo BBQ restaurant and then going window shopping in Hongdae. One of my favorite activities was hiking famous trails like Inwangsan and Bukhansan. Hiking is a popular pastime for many Korean retirees, so I got to practice my basic Korean skills and share some snacks with locals, while also visiting temples and learning about Seoul’s history while traversing the mountains.

One of the things I miss most about Korea are the traditional bathhouses, or Jjimjilbangs, with saunas, cheap massages and body scrubs, and various cold and hot baths. Because I was there for a semester, I was able to take it easy. If I felt like laying in bed all day (I rarely did), I could, and then hit the ground running the next day exploring. I got to see a lot of things that on a one- or two-week vacation I would never do, like visiting the Seoul Botanical Gardens, taking a trip to Jeju with friends, or exploring the underground shopping malls in Gangnam.

I loved my study abroad experience, and Seoul will always be in my heart. I am forever grateful to CIS Abroad for making it possible.

Blog by Ellie Hague, Texas A&M University
Semester in Seoul - Sogang University