An Unforgettable Summer in Seoul! Past Review
By Elly Verlinden (University of Toronto) - abroad from 06/26/2017 to 08/03/2017 with
Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus
I gained new knowledge from the courses I took, but also learned more about myself and people from all walks of life! Being from a small rural town in Ontario, Canada, I always want to learn more about the world and other people's experiences. This program allowed me to meet and make friends with people from all different places, Singapore, Korea, China, America, Mexico, the Netherlands, Croatia, Sweden, and even fellow Canadians from my home university I didn't know before! I was a really rewarding experience, and I'd reccommend it to anyone!
Review Photos
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 courses were rigourous, especially for such a short time frame. But they pace and intensity made you think about what you were learning and really provided valuable insights I would not have been able to gain at my home university! |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration answered any questions I had both before and arriving on campus. On-campus they were organized, helpful, and always freindly! |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I did not live on campus, but my living situation was great! Commuting is very easy in Seoul. As well, everyone I talked to about the Korea University dorms had nothing but positive things to say! |
* Food: |
The campus cafetieria in the Student Union building was my favourite as it was usually quiet and offered cheap, tasty Korean food! Around campus there are endless food and cafe options, you won't have any difficulty finding good food! |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Both the Buddy Program and the overall atmosphere of campus allow everyone to feel comfortable interacting with both international and Korean students. Everyone was welcoming and it was easy to find common ground (in English or Korean!) |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Though I did not need to access health care, the KU ISC staff made all students aware of the international health clinic available to students, as well as other support centers where we could access health services. |
* Safety: |
Overall Seoul and the campus are very safe, as well in orientation they provided important contact numbers for emergencies (such as police, health center, sexual assault center, etc.) and provided safety tips, such as avoiding pickpockets and explaining some laws that may be different! |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The KU ISC program offers both challenging and fun course material, as well as oppourtunities to become part of the KU family. From trips, basketball games, or just getting barbeque with your KU Buddies you can really feel part of this diverse community! |
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) |
Seoul is not the cheapest city, but food is definitely cheaper than Toronto! Meals typically cost between 5000-10000₩ (Approx. $5-10CAD). Plus the program offered free weekend trips (Lotte World, baseball game, etc.) and there are many free acticities in Seoul! |
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? | Don't go to super fancy resturants every day, and anything you buy in popular tourist spots will be more expensive (Insadong, Myeongdong, etc.)! Try small local resturants, and look for cool free activities! |
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 |
The program offers a Korean language courses at varying levels, and the Buddies were always happy to help you practice your Korean! I did not take a Korean language class (due to requirements in my home program), but you can still get to learn Korean outside of the offered classes! |
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? | EAS110Y1 at UofT/TOPIK Level I |
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? | Taking courses is really good, but going out and trying to order food/ask people something is always the best way to get more experience. While in Seoul definitely try to use Korean! Everyone is super friendly and appreciate the effort, event if it is as simple as saying 감사합니다! If you have a language exchange at your home university, do it! |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that Seoul would be super humid! Pack light for sure, and bring an umbrella! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |