I <3 Korea Past Review
By Jacob W (Journalism., Illinois State University) for
Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts: Ansung - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Absolutely! I have learned to be grateful for what I have, that I need to take my education very seriously, and not to be afraid of what is out there in the world. Take chances!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had one professor, Dr. Hwang, who previously studied in the United States. She gave us a fairly balanced workload and made sure we knew what we had to have done. She taught us mainly through the book, which was hard if something in the book was hard to understand since she knew no other way to really explain it. However, she tried and I appreciate her for that. Another professor I had had never studied in the United States, and therefore never had a set syllabus, nor was she ever clear with what she wanted done. I think that was the main difference between these professors. Some are clear with what they want done, and how to do it, some kind of just throw you to the sharks. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We had 8 kids in our group altogether, which was perfect. It was a great size, and we all became the best of friends. The administration helped us when we required help buying tickets to events, or had questions about classes. They were wonderful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was an incredibly safe area we lived, and even when we lived in Seoul, we felt very safe and found it acceptable to travel around in areas we normally would not dare go in America. Also, nothing was reasonably far from our dorm. There were buses to Seoul and Anseong, and we felt like it was very easy to travel. I had to buy a few things to settle in; namely pillows! Their pillows are as flat as paper and hard as a rock. |
| * Food: |
Cafeteria wasn't too good. Eating out in Korea was amazing however! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Going to Busan with Dr. Hwang to a film festival was an amazing experience. However, the best thing about Korea has to be the amazing friendships I have made, especially with the other exchange students. We went out partying in Seoul a lot, and explored Korea together. We had the best of times, and I'm so thankful for them! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Korea is one of the safest countries I've ever been to! It was fun to walk around late at night and feel so secure. MAKE SURE to get a flu shot before coming to Korea. You do not want to get sick just because... well, who wants to get sick? Make sure to bring lots of medicine too before you come. Bring Tylenol PM, cold and cough medicine, headache meds, and Vitamin C. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | The plane ticket was $1,300. I had $1,000 in the bank before coming to Korea. I had to ask my parents for $700 over my time there. In total, I spent $3,000. It definitely is not a cheap place to be DESPITE what you may believe. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food! You will spend so much money on food! And if you enjoy clothes, you will come back broke. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English but we learned Korean from our friends, especially the ones from California who were taking a Korean class. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be open and willing and accept the people around you. Those people will CHANGE your life! |
