Summer with AISS Past Review

By (Biology, General., University of Texas - Arlington) - abroad from 07/09/2012 to 08/06/2012 with

Ajou University: Suwon - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that six weeks was not enough in such a beautiful, fun, amazing country. It was an unforgettable experience and it was very difficult to leave. Above all, I gained many new friends and a better understanding of the culture/language.

Review Photos

Exchange: Suwon - Ajou University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Learning a new culture
  • Speaking a different language
  • Making new friends
* What could be improved?
  • Dormitories
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack less. Clothes, food, shoes, everything is cheaper there than in America, so there will be much to take back. Also, there are many more things to do in Seoul than in Suwon (where Ajou is) so I spent lots of time/money going to Seoul everyday. Though I don't regret going to Ajou, I wish it was closer to Seoul.