Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Seoul Past Review

By (East Asian Studies., Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/14/2014 to 06/22/2014 with

CIEE: Seoul - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to experience an Eastern perspective and got a first person look through Korean language and culture.

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.

Not too much work, but I feel as though I learned a lot in the classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were some communication issues. Some of the programming wasn't exactly what I expected.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

SK Global is nice enough. However, the gender-segregated halls were strictly enforced which I didn't like.

* Food:

Korean food is awesome and cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Honestly, it can be hard for foreigners to fit into Korean culture without knowledge of the language.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues, but Yonsei is connected to a hospital.

* Safety:

I felt completely safe.

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)

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

It was required, but I appreciated it.

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? 1
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travel
  • Language
* What could be improved?
  • Better programming
  • Higher quality of classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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!