South Korea: My Crazy Adventures Past Review

By (Communication, Western Carolina University) for

Hannam University: Daejeon - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I miss the food and friends most. I would love to go back if I had the money or time.

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.

The teachers expected me to study too much, but the teaching method was phenomenal. I only listened to Korean on most days, but it taught me so quickly that I was amazed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were there when you needed them most, but only if you contacted the main director of the department. Due to cultural differences, I'm not so sure of this though.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I would suggest almost anything to anyone. I spent most of my time with a Muslim that could only eat seafood. That was difficult, but we made it work.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved having our sports festival. I've seen it in anime, but it was even better being able to bond with classmates through funny sports. I won arm wrestling. It was fun!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I was sick almost my full duration in South Korea, but my friends are the ones who helped me most. The office helped me once because I wasn't getting any better.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would say that everyone should create budgets and follow them.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?

Most people could speak English, but the classes were completely in Korean. Hardly any English. That was difficult yet fun.

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

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Safety
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • Health
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't think anyone can prepare you for what's in store. Just be ready for anything.