Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable experience Past Review

By (Austin College) - abroad from 02/17/2012 to 06/23/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so many memories that I will never forget, plus a network of connections all across the world. It was worthwhile to meet new people and experience a different country together.

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.

I was not satisfied with some of my classes. Some of the professors were not organized or quit speaking English halfway through the semester.

* 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)

Food and personal expenses was roughly $60 per week.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $50 to $60 per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend saving your money. Students tend to become overwhelmed during the first few weeks and blow their money on everything they see. Then, by the mid or end of the trip, money becomes tight.

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? 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? I did not take any courses prior to departure.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make as many native friends as possible.

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?
  • I liked the staff and the other students on the program.
  • The university choice.
  • All of our excursions and program activities.
* What could be improved?
  • Promoting language practice.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One thing I wished I was more prepared for was the lifestyle while abroad. Having a few tips would have lessened the culture shock when I first arrived.