Classes and Seoul are the best but everything else is Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/26/2017 to 08/04/2017 with

Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that meeting people from all over the world may be intimidating but it is almost the same for anyone because the situation is the same for them.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors taught their subject materials very enthusiastically and were there to help you whenever.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The rooms and furniture were great but the bathroom cleaning services visited fewer times than they were supposed to.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The field trips and KU buddy system they promoted were disappointing. The field trip participant limits are so low and the KU buddy who is suppose to help you is rarely around. Also, since the dorms and classes are largely consist of international students, the biggest integration source comes from yourself when you go out into the city for fun.

* 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? No

I would like to see how other programs differ because most of these programs in Korea are very similar.

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? 80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The convenience stores in Korea are great with their ~$1 meals when you're in a pinch.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? Try what you know when you do transactions in stores.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Professors
  • City
* What could be improved?
  • Student care
  • Field trips
  • Buddy program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The meal plan may seem cheap but there are actually a lot of cheaper options outside the school.

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!