For many students, the first time they hear about study abroad is the moment their future suddenly feels bigger.
At Lighthouse International School on September 10, SAF Korea Director Suyeon Lee delivered that first spark of inspiration, opening new perspectives on international education for local high school students.
Lighthouse International School is an alternative K-12 international school in Ilsan – a commuter hub connected to Seoul – with around 300 students following an English-language curriculum accredited by a U.S. body (MSA CESS). For many of Lighthouse’s students, the ultimate goal is higher education in the United States, making the visit a perfect opportunity to shed light on the many different paths that can help them achieve their dreams.
Suyeon was invited to speak to Grades 10-12 in the school’s “Introduction to Marketing and Management” class. Using SAF and IES Abroad as case studies, she introduced the international education sector, explained how an international organization works day to day, and highlighted the wide range of study abroad opportunities available today beyond traditional exchange or degree programs.
Students looking for flexible, non-traditional options that better fit their timelines and interests were especially excited to hear about the Visiting Student and Internship Abroad Programs at world-class universities and top companies around the globe.
The session was highly interactive, with Suyeon guiding students through discussions on how marketing impacts university enrollment and touching on current events like the temporary pause on U.S. student visas. She asked thought-provoking marketing questions, led the class in a SWOT analysis of the study abroad industry in 2025, and handed out “Saffy” keyrings to some of the participants – a fun example of SAF’s brand marketing tools in action.
To wrap up, Suyeon turned the tables and asked the Gen Z students how they would market to their own cohort. One student’s answer: use stylish images of good-looking students. Simple, yet effective!
Through this visit, SAF Korea not only introduced students to the possibilities of studying abroad but also demonstrated SAF’s broader commitment: engaging students early, building awareness, and showing that global education is accessible and within reach. Events like these reflect SAF’s dedication to supporting students at every stage of their academic journey – even as early as high school.
Discover how SAF can support your classroom – reach out to an SAF advisor for more information.
