Fun sized adventure January 27, 2023

By (Business, Berea College) - abroad from 08/31/2022 to 12/24/2022 with

Keimyung University: Daegu - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Korean culture and the ideology behind it. It is an eye-opener. I would definitely go back.

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?

I can't comment on it because I didn't use this service while I was there.

* Safety:

You can leave your items in the same spot and not have to worry about theft. However, depending on the time of night, you might have to be concerned about men following you.

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)

You have to account that to interact with others, they would like to eat and that could cost about $10 - $20 alone.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you have time, look for it at the Daiso markets Coupang and Danawa are sites that could save you money

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 had done two years of japanese
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • 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?
  • transportation
  • Food
  • nightlife
* What could be improved?
  • communication
  • Transparency
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One thing I wish I knew before going was the weather. It is very hot at the end of August and gradually gets to be cold by the middle of October. Another thing is when you arrive, please buy yourself pocket wifi and download KakaoMap and Naver Map. Naver Map can help you with the English names and Kakao map can help with the local gems. You will need both. If you wear plus size clothing, please bring extra clothes with you because they are hard to find, even in worldwide stores. H&M had some nice items if need be. Your dorm and free cafeteria meals for lunch and dinner are in the same area. That area is up the hill from where your classes are, so good luck.

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!