We started the morning with a walk from the dorms to Korea University. Our program coordinator led the way, giving us our first real look at the Anam neighborhood. Even in the rain, everything felt new and absolutely beautiful. The KU campus was massive with stone buildings that looked straight out of a fairytale. I was a little worried about getting lost, but mostly just excited to explore.

Let’s talk about what it’s actually like studying abroad in S. Korea. From the moment you check in to your dorm to the academic culture shock in class, you’ll notice the differences.  I’m not here to tell you to bring a universal adapter or get your visa on time (though… do that too). I’m here to tell you the random stuff about university life that I wish someone had told me before I landed.

First night in Korea.It was quite the drive from Incheon Airport to Seoul, or more specifically, to Anam. Once we arrived at the dorms, we were dropped off and had to lug all our bags uphill in the dark. Looking back, it’s hilarious: ten of us rolling giant suitcases in both hands, heavy backpacks digging into our shoulders, trailing behind one another like lost ducklings trying not to trip on one another. And, none of us really knew where we were going.