Seoul Food and the Seoul Life Past Review

By (Photography, California State University - Fresno) for

CIEE: Seoul - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Gain a great understanding of a culture that has expanding and prospered so fast in a short amount of time. Living in a fast culture also changes my habits and thinking into a more consistent and fast-pace decision.

Review Photos

CIEE: Seoul - Arts and Sciences Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was very easy to understand. Very relaxing and understanding, especially towards foreigners trying to adjust to their culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was lots of confusion. Little communication with the host country program administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

International housing was really convenient. It was a 24/7 access with security guards. Beds were ready and set. We bought items that we needed like soap, detergent, and others. Classes were really close to the housing. The nightlife was quite a ways but it was a safe travel.

* Food:

Very delicious and many of the native foods were very healthy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Went to many field trips and sight-see around the capital AND the country. It was very beautiful. But it was somewhat un-professional at times.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

They are very good on advising on health issues.

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
Language acquisition improvement?

It was at first very confusing because there was only nothing but spoken Korean. Many of the people there didn't know English as much. But as I went through the semester and practicing the language with fellow classmates and with people at the restaurants, I was forced to use more of the language I was studying. Which really was rewarding.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One semester is NOT ENOUGH. I repeat One semester is NOT ENOUGH. It will fly by so fast and you will not want to go back home.