Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable Past Review

By (Economics., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/21/2013 to 08/08/2013 with

CIEE: Seoul - Summer Korean Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Korean (especially listening, vocab, and basic skills e.g. taking a taxi) improved a TON. If you study and do the homework for Korean class then you'll learn a lot. The most valuable aspect, however, is just learning about Korean culture and experiencing it first hand.

Review Photos

CIEE: Seoul - Summer Korean Studies Photo CIEE: Seoul - Summer Korean Studies Photo CIEE: Seoul - Summer Korean Studies Photo CIEE: Seoul - Summer Korean Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

Seoul is an exciting city, but it's not cheap to have fun

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-$200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan to spend $200 a week, and take advantage of any free events

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4th semester
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

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Language Classes
  • Korean Culture
  • Meeting Other International Students
* What could be improved?
  • Yonsei Administration is not very organized
  • International students are a bit removed from local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I sort of broke out (acne) when I first went there, and I think it was because of the water. Not that it's dirty, just that it was different and my skin wasn't used to it.

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!