High School Study Abroad in South Korea

Set goals

Before heading to a study abroad program in South Korea, students should set clear goals and aspirations—here are some basics to get started.

• Academics are the first and foremost reason for going! Pick out some specific material or habits you’d like to focus on intentionally to refine while there.
• The other main focus is that you’ll be in a new environment. Find or research a specific part of South Korean culture to connect with. Anything from language to food to music, and more is fair game—anything that naturally interests you can help you connect quicker!
• Learning, or broadening your language skills could be a great goal! It can help you foster greater relationships.
• Take the time to figure out what you personally want to achieve during your time in South Korea. Traveling and studying abroad makes you inherently grow, a simple goal could be to journal while there and take time to reflect on how you’ve changed from the beginning to the end.

Understand the benefits

Studying abroad in South Korea as a high schooler offers lots of benefits:

• Cultural excitement. You’ll be able to experience firsthand South Korea’s rich heritage and modern lifestyle. Beyond that, South Korean culture is known for its friendliness—so be prepared to make some friends!
• Educational excellence. South Korea’s education system is highly regarded—so you’ll be met with some great academic courses and projects.
• Learning language. While Korean is the main spoken language, other widely known and spoken languages are Japanese, Mandarin, and English, making for a great place to flex your skills.

Things to know

Wherever you head in South Korea, there are some general basics any high school student should know about.

• Visa and paperwork requirements - Always check with your program for up-to-date visa and paperwork requirements for South Korea, as the need for these may vary depending on the length of your stay.
• Cultural etiquette - t's common for students to bow to teachers and elders as a sign of respect, and schools usually have strict policies against wearing makeup, dyeing hair, or using accessories, but check with your program for specific guidelines.
• Safety measures - Preparing a backup plan for important things like money and paperwork is a good precaution to take before your trip.
• Cost of living and accommodations - High school students usually stay with vetted host families or in dormitories, and while South Korea can be expensive, program costs often cover housing and activities, so budgeting beforehand is important.