CUK Abroad Experience Past Review

By (Cardinal Stritch University) - abroad from 08/25/2019 to 12/13/2019 with

Catholic University of Korea: Songsim - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really was able to get out of my comfort zone, I regret not doing much on my days off (like going out and exploring) but I realized that it's fun to just go and adventure by yourself. I also learned how to figure out the subway alone!

Review Photos

Catholic University of Korea: Songsim - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Catholic University of Korea: Songsim - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Catholic University of Korea: Songsim - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

dorms were phenomenal, monthly cleanings which made sure residents stayed clean, cleaning materials provided.

* Food:

although there was no school meal plan provided, cafeteria food was very cheap, tasty and good portions.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

felt like I could have taken part of the language exchange classes but unfortunately they would interfere with the classes I was taking for credit and you could not be late to language classes

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

while being there, I had a horrible allergic reaction. I advised the study abroad director in charge and was able to assist me with a student who took me to the clinic where she was able to translate

* Safety:

always felt safe!

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

I loved the location of the university, even if it was right outside of Seoul. all the staff was incredible and although local students were a bit shy, I was able to make great friends

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $100+ for food, $10 when recharging metro card
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? really do save up! take out bank loans (some provided) if needed to, get a credit card or open a bank account in your country of visit (even if its just for a semester) because some banks have an international fee and those add up!

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 1, beginner
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? make friends and have them teach you basics. start off with the alphabet, some sayings and watch tv shows in the language. then, go from there

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • help from both study abroad coordinators
  • being able to take classes with locals, not just exchange students
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would've studied the language more