Truly amazing and unforgettable. Past Review

By (Southern Utah University) - abroad from 09/01/2016 to 12/23/2017 with

Chung-Ang University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. Although I have traveled many times before and learnt a lot from my travels, this experience was much more rewarding. I grew a lot from this experience. I learnt true meaning of responsibility and budget. Prior to my studying abroad, I had to work for it, and save, and plan. While I was there I learnt true meaning of responsibility and patience. It was my first time traveling alone, I had no one to look out for me but myself. I had to completely get out of my comfort zone in order to make an amazing experience for myself.

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?

* 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? No

As happy I was with the last program, I wouldn't choose It again because I've already done it, I'd choose a different program to learn and experience something new and to see what it had to offer.

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? $100-150 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Street food and local restaurants are gems. If you decide to go to a foreign country, don't expect to have the same food as you normally have, give the local food a chance it's much cheaper and an adventure trying new things than eating what you are normally used to.

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

Leaving in the Seoul didn't really challenge my Korean because as a foreigner people automatically would try or speak English with me. If you really want to fully learn a language, it is better to move into cities that are not the capital therefore you are constantly being forced to speak the language with locals.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? I hadn't studied any Korean prior my visit.
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? Number one is to be driven, learning a different language isn't easy and definitely isn't possible if you aren't driven to learn it. Second as I mentioned earlier, try to leave in places where there aren't many tourists like the capital cities. In Seoul they didn't even bother speaking to me in Korean, people would automatically speak to me in English weather or not knowing if I actually spoke English-- which was a struggle for other foreign students who weren't from English speaking countries. Also make lots of friends and actually get out of your comfort zone and speak with them, learning a language in a classroom setting is one thing, but actually speaking the language the same way as they do is another thing.

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

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The difference compared to American school systems.
  • The flexibility to travel around and to meet new people from all over the world.
  • The food.
* What could be improved?
  • I honestly don't have any complaints, life is what you make it.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There's no such thing as to much research. It's ok to ask rather than being ignorant. Save, don't spend all your money the first week out of excitement. And pack lightly.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.