Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Phenomenal Past Review

By (Travel Abroad, Berea College) - abroad from 07/10/2015 to 08/08/2015 with

ISA Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the Korean culture and language and also learned how to live abroad on my own. I really enjoyed my time and would definitely go back one day. I learned in capable of living a fast paced life and how to maneuver in a foreign land. It was definitely worth while.

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)

Like $100/week

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approx $150/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you are able to cook, cook.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Use language agents like mango languages or Rosetta Stone to help ease you into the language. Keep practicing and speaking. Listening to that country's music can help learn a language faster; and also reading the lyrics of the song can be a fun way to learn a foreign 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

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Meeting other international students
  • The program's organization
  • The field trips!
* What could be improved?
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive it would be. The dorm I stayed did not offer cooking facilities so that meant eating out when hungry. The food was great and overall affordable, but I could have saved money being able to cook some meals myself.

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!