Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Entering the Unknown and Loving it Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 08/22/2016 to 12/17/2016 with

ISA Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From my experience abroad I had to step out of my comfort zone and learn how to live in a completely new area. I also had to learn how to handle situations that were difficult by myself. Also I had to learn how to look at things from someone else's perspective and figure out how best to tutor English with a non-English speaking native which was a worth while challenge.

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 classes were challenging and they provided a number of opportunities for me to experience the culture. I just wish I interacted with the other students more.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The ISA staff were great. We were able to get in touch with them whenever we needed to and were always willing to help. The administration at the actual college were mostly good but sometimes they could be confusing.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were wonderful. However, I do wish that I was roomed with a Korean student rather than another American.

* Food:

The food was good it just wasn't my cup of tea.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not get to integrate into the local culture as much as I would have liked. I did make a couple of Korean friends and I did get out into the community volunteering though.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't really have health issues while I was abroad, but I knew where to go if I got injured or sick.

* Safety:

The dorm I lived in was very safe you could only get in or out with a key card. Without that key card you couldn't even get into your room. Also there were guards at the entrance.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

If I could do it over again I would choose the same program because if I were to choose another program the people I met and the experiences I had would be completely different. Yes there are things that I would do differently, but overall I would choose that program again.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around $100 at the most.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Regulate your money and have a max amount you are willing to spend on food.

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

I was encouraged to use it some, but I did not end up using it much. More practice reading it than speaking it.

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? no Korean Language prior
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Really practice the language and find outlets outside of the class to practice. I didn't do that well and most people wanted to speak English with me. I wasn't very confident in my language skills so I was afraid to practice. Don't be afraid you are a beginner.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • They had great excursions that introduced us to different aspects of the Korean culture.
  • I got the opportunity to volunteer which allowed me to become more involved int he community.
  • I got to try and see new things I could never have experienced in America.
* What could be improved?
  • Instead of having another ISA participant as a roommate maybe have us room with a native.
  • More instruction on how to get back to the airport at the end of the program.
  • pick up options in case of delays caused by weather.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That thought there is wifi everywhere you can only connect to a small portion of it due to password protection.

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!