Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not a fan of Yonsei January 23, 2023

By (Korean, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/23/2022 to 12/22/2022 with

Yonsei University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Gained language skills and maturity.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were easy and frequently cancelled, admin was a nightmare to deal with. Very rude and unhelpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Yonsei's study abroad office communicated either poorly or not at all. I did not feel supported by them in any way shape or form.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were fine, but there were no RAs and nobody to go to for roommate conflicts. Roommate placements were completely random with no regards to sleeping schedule or living style. Poorly organized. Also, the housing portal went down the night of housing registration and Yonsei did not contact the students about it for literal hours.

* Food:

Cafeteria has little to no pork-free options (on most days). I just ate out most days.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Exchange students were actively encouraged to NOT join on-campus clubs. The mentors program was poorly organized--my group didn't meet even once.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got the flu BADLY but there aren't on-campus medical services, at least according to the Yonsei staff that I asked about it. They basically told me I was on my own.

* Safety:

Safe city, nice campus

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Yonsei's administration is horrible and the classes were meh. No structures in place to integrate with the locals.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

pretty expensive

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own food, if able

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I had an intensive language class

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? KOR202 (second-year korean)
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Seek out language exchange on your own because Yonsei doesn't facilitate it

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Language
  • Good Food (not at the school)
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • Community
  • Academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Yonsei wasn't the right place for me or my friends

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!