Balancing Academics and Adventure: My Experience at Yonsei

As my semester abroad at Yonsei University in Seoul comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what has made this experience both rewarding and challenging.  Coming from Bentley University, a business school in Waltham, MA, I am no stranger to a full course load, typically taking 18 credits each semester, and on track to graduate early.  However, I was not fully prepared for just how different my academic experience would be here in Korea.  

While some of my friends in CIEE had light, manageable schedules and lots of free time to explore, my semester felt a lot more intense.  The classes at Yonsei are fascinating and offer a unique perspective on Korean culture, society, and global issues.  The workload, however, especially the number of long-form assignments and research papers, was much heavier than what I was anticipating from the things I had heard from others regarding the program.  Many of my courses require extensive, high-level reading, group projects, and in-depth essays and research papers, which have kept me busy into the late nights and weekends.  

Don’t get me wrong, I have learned so much and genuinely enjoyed my classes and professors, but the academic rigor here, combined with having to adapt to a new educational style, made this semester very stressful and, at times, draining.  I have found myself struggling to balance schoolwork with all of the amazing opportunities to travel, try new foods, and experience the many things that Seoul has to offer.  

Now, I will offer some advice for the students planning on studying here in the future.  When registering for classes at Yonsei, be mindful of your workload.  Try to balance your schedule with a mix of challenging and lighter courses so that you can make the most of your time abroad.  My situation is unique because, since I am graduating early, many of the classes that I am taking here are for my major or minor back home.  Remember, studying in Korea is about more than just academics.  It is also about immersing yourself in culture, making new friends, and personal growth.  Give yourself the time and space to enjoy everything that there is to experience here!

If you have any questions about course selection or managing your time here, CIEE has amazing staff, and I would also be more than happy to offer advice.  Wishing you all a wonderful and well-balanced semester abroad!