"I am a first semester student at Sogang GSIS but, having lived here in Seoul for 3 years prior to my enrollment, my experience in Korea is extensive compared to the other foreign students. As such, my reasons for choosing Sogang come from a prior knowledge of the program and direct comparison to other GSIS programs in Korea. Those who have read this site thoroughly can see the numerous advantages and virtues of Sogang GSIS. These are all true, but moreover, I chose Sogang for the academic reputation of Sogang University as a whole. While in national rankings Sogang comes 4th, it is widely regarded as the most rigorous academic institution in Korea, producing the most capable students. So my reason for choosing Sogang above all is my desire to gain and develop a competitive edge and receive a genuine formal academic education. In simple terms, I chose substance over hype. The professors have both impressive credentials and the ability to relate difficult concepts through active discussion which would not be possible in the larger classes at larger universities. I have friends at other universities in Korea who readily admit this fact. So while my experience here so far has been brief, I am satisfied and confident that I made the right decision."
"During the years that I spent living and working in Japan, I became increasingly intrigued by the cultures of East Asia. I eventually decided to deepen this knowledge by finding a Masters program in East Asian studies. Among the many options available, I decided on Sogang¡¯s GSIS program for a number of reasons, the most important being Sogang¡¯s location in Korea and the interdisciplinary nature of the GSIS program. I hope to complement my knowledge of Japan by learning about Korea and I believe that Sogang GSIS Area Studies program will let me do that. Upon my arrival in Seoul, the warm, welcoming attitude of both students and professors pleasantly surprised me. I think that this added bonus will make my experience in Korea even more memorable than I expected it to be. "
"I entered Sogang GSIS in the fall semester of 2003 with many things unknown but full of anticipation. Now that one semester has passed, I have found that I had made the right choice. As one of the best GSIS programs in Korea, Sogang GSIS offers an innovative curriculum and has an outstanding faculty. The Executive Forum held every week exposes students to practical understanding in the international arena. At the same time students are just like brothers and sisters. I believe that you will receive the education that you expected here at Sogang GSIS, whether you are a Western student or an Asian student."
"I am an exchange student from the Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt in Germany. I am really happy that I have the chance to study in Korea, especially at Sogang University, although you have to work much. You have to prepare presentations, do homework, read many articles. But these preparations help you to understand demanding teaching. And it is for me a new experience to have class just with less then ten people. But there you can discuss your own opinion with the teacher and it helps foreign students to feel quickly integrated. Furthermore, GSIS Students, especially the foreign student supporters, Professors and the GSIS Administration as well as the International Affairs Department of Sogang University help me whenever I have a question. "
"Studying at Sogang GSIS is a great experience! One reason is the high quality of the University, the excellent professors and the small classes.There are interesting discussions in class, a result from the small size, and students from all around the world with different point of views. The courses are challenging, but the environment is very friendly. The relationship between students and professors is very good, which makes studying more pleasant.The second aspect which makes studying here so valuable is the atmosphere. The small size of the faculty, in connection with the small classes and group works makes it easy to integrate. Furthermore, there are membership trainings and other events organized, which demonstrates, how important the idea of community is."
"The only thing I knew about Korea before I came here was that they are producing inexpensive Hyundai cars and high quality Samsung screens. So the purpose of coming here was to make a completely new experience by living in a culture I didn¡¯t know at all. But what I saw was a lot more than I expected. Besides the excellent Korean food, the way Koreans are socializing and the nightlife in Sinchon, I was really surprised by the superb studying-conditions at Sogang GSIS. Taking classes together with only 10 or 20 students, listening to well-experienced professors who were working abroad for a long time was a new and refreshing alternative to the German lecture halls filled with 100 or more people. Furthermore, GSIS Students, professors and the GSIS Administration as well as the International Affairs Department of Sogang University helped me whenever I had a question."
"Sogang GSIS is the perfect place to get familiar with Korea. Through the small number of students admitted to the classes the atmosphere is a very friendly one, not as in other big schools here in Seoul. Sogang GSIS has a special flair: it is personal and friendly but at the same time a challenging environment.
Also a strong point of this school is the cooperative relationship between professors and students. This opens a window of opportunity for us students. All in all, I really recommend Sogang GSIS; I don't regret a single second that I spent here. Exciting opportunities are waiting for you at Sogang; come and find out!"
"I am very impressed with Sogang University's campus and students. I find the students to be both kind and hardworking. Sogang-GSIS has a good study environment and excellent professors. They are highly capable and I strongly believe that they can guide students through an objective and balanced view and provide a vision to succeed in the future. As a lecturer in my country intent on enriching my knowledge, I firmly believe that I made the right decision to pursue my study here. I feel so thankful to God for bringing me to Sogang-GSIS, and I feel so filled by my experiences here."
"At first I had some reservations about coming to study in Korea. But my experiences at Sogang GSIS have completely washed those worries away. I was delightfully surprised by the fact that everyone, the professors, classmates, and the staff members, spoke English fluently.
Classes are rigorous and demanding but at the same time exciting and challenging. Furthermore, the computer center, study lounge and other amenities make studying at Sogang GSIS comfortable and easy. I also realized that the activities of the student union are very different here than in Mexico. Here, every student participates and enjoys these activities and I think they are much closer to each other than the students in Mexico. All in all, I am most satisfied with my experience at Sogang GSIS and would recommend it to others."
"I think that the teachers at my university are very knowledgeable and professional. The classes are small so the professors have time to give their attention to each student. I have been to another university where the class sizes are 100 to 200 people. Your professors don¡¯t know who you are, you are just a number to them, you do not get to know your classmates, and it is difficult to meet people. But here because of the small class size it¡¯s easy to make friends, your professors know you by name and they are always happy to help you with any problems that you might be having. My classmates are also very kind. We help each other, we study together and we go out for dinner sometimes after class. I feel very lucky to be going to Sogang University."
"My name is Sarah Hasan. I am from Islamabad, Pakistan. I am doing my Masters in International Relations and this is my second semester at Sogang, GSIS. During my two semesters here, I have found that there are enormous opportunities for students to learn and to grow in a very competitive environment. Internships and Overseas Exchange programs help improve students academically & culturally which is quite crucial for their future career. Though the studies are demanding, there are opportunities for the students to enjoy campus life and get involved in extra-curricular activities and parties that are really good. I would say that coming to Sogang means opening up doors of learning and opportunities for all."
"When I was obtaining information concerning the best choice to follow my doctoral studies, I was told that Sogang GSIS would be the right solution, due to its excellent academic record, wonderful professors and warm environment. Having started the first semester, I must say that the reality surpasses the advice I received. The courses are thoughtful and rigorous; the small number of students allows for an accompanied study and a familiar relationship with the professors; the university possesses a foreign support team that assists foreign students in whatever they need; the facilities are very good; and last but not least, the relationship between colleagues is wonderful because we are all part of a small and united family. Sogang GSIS is the right choice if one is looking for an excellent academic institution that does not forget the importance of values and human bonds."
"Sogang GSIS is generally pleasant and very cohesive. It is an excellent place to be a graduate student because there is a very strong tradition of graduate education. The faculty generally make themselves available and are unstinting with omments and advice. The graduate students here are generally of high quality, and every faculty member at Sogang GSIS is an excellent lecturer and person, with much to teach the graduate student willing to learn."
"Hello dear prospective students, There are two reasons why I feel obliged to recommend you Sogang University. First, at Sogang GSIS I found the perfect student-professor relationship and an atmosphere of a family, warmth and understanding which are the most important incentives for a fruitful graduate studies. Second, the education in general, namely the courses, are so up-to-date and enlightening that I wish I had time to take all the courses if possible and stay for another couple of years to get the best use of courses delivered here. While saying goodbye to you, I would like to say that I am very lucky to be studying here and I am happy to recommend this great school to you."
"Only come to Sogang University Graduate School of International Studies if you want to study! It is a lot of hard work - but I'm not in grad school because I like things to be easy. I wanted to be in a program with high expectations for all of its students, and I believe that my degree will be worth more than degrees from many other schools because everyone here is held to the same high standard. I have learned what I want, and so far Sogang has been what I hoped for. I really like the academic focus here, and the small department size insures that students get all the faculty attention they can handle. Despite all the work, there is time for fun, and being located within Seoul makes it easy to find the occasional distraction."
"When I was in Vietnam, I hoped that one day, I could visit and study in Korea to see by my eye how beautiful the country is, how intelligent the Korean are, how well the economic policies are made, and how successful the Korea economy is. Fortunately, my dream now becomes true and I am the first semester student at Sogang GSIS ? one of the most famous institutions in Korea. One month has passed, I found studying at GSIS to be very challenging but attracting. All courses offered at GSIS are designed based on seminars, presentation, and workshops that help students enhancing communicative skills and analytical thinking strategy to prepare themselves for real-life situations as well as deal with wide ranges of current events and global issues. I really admired GSIS through expertise and the wisdom of its Professors. All the professors graduated from prestigious universities in the world. They taught not only textbook knowledge, but ways of thinking as well. Therefore, I strongly believe that my education at GSIS, along with prominent professors, modern equipments, update knowledge, and useful extracurricular activities will help me to reach my goals for the future career."
"I have been very lucky to have an opportunity to study at GSIS, Sogang University. In fact, after completing my Master¡¯s Degree in the Netherlands, I was interested in studying for a Ph.D. course at a highly respected institution. GSIS, Sogang University has been famous for its excellent academic standards with distinguished multi-disciplinary programs, and international orientation. That is the reason why I chose GSIS, Sogang University. Since the first day I came to GSIS, Sogang University I have been very impressed by the professors¡¯ kind support, staff¡¯s assistance and students¡¯ hospitability. As two semesters have just passed I have been very grateful to the professors who have offered highly qualified lectures and created such an interactive studying environment that enrich our academic knowledge and foster our creativity. In addition, Global Executive Forum organized every week has exposed us to practical expertise and experience in international studies. I can say that I am very proud of being Sogang University¡¯s student, and I am strongly motivated to believe that you - the new comers - will be found of being Sogang University¡¯s students too."