An Unforgettable Summer! Past Review
By Samantha Quan (University of Toronto) - abroad from 06/26/2017 to 08/03/2017 with
Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus
I gained a lot of confidence and independence because I had never travelled such a large distance alone before. I learned a lot about Korean history and culture and I feel like my command of the language improved while I was there. It was totally worth it because I got a once in a lifetime experience!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were challenging and intense but the content was enjoyable and made the hours I put in to studying very worth it. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was very helpful with any questions/needs that I had and solved the problems that I encountered in a timely manner. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I really enjoyed my dorm because I had a great roommate, it was located close to campus, there was food options as close as 2 minutes away, and the atmosphere was great! |
| * Food: |
Though I didn't buy a meal plan at KU, there are so many options for restaurants on campus and just outside. I found that there was always something different for me to try or I could just return to my favourite places when I wanted to! If you enjoy spicy food, I would definitely recommend a visit to South Korea. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It's a little hard not to feel like a foreigner when you're studying abroad but with the help of the ISC cultural activities, I got to learn more about Korean culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The ISC managers personally took me to the hospital when I was ill and stayed with me to help translate and keep me company while I was there. They checked up on me for the remaining weeks of the program too! The health care system was similar to that of my home country and I didn't have to wait long to be seen by a doctor. I also made sure to get vaccinated for local health issues before I went to Korea. |
| * Safety: |
Seoul was really safe though I exercised the same precautions that I do when I am in my home country. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program I took was designed towards international students and helped integrate us into the community as much as possible. I really enjoyed my time at the program and made friends from all over the world! |
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) |
I found that food in Korea is much cheaper than what you'd find in Canada so I didn't really have a problem with eating at restaurants for every meal. Make sure you budget for buying souvenirs, clothes, trips, etc. because that's when it can get a little expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to budget for food weekly and then see what you have left at the end of the week. Let that dictate your weekend plans! |
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 supposed to speak Korean for the entirety of the class. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Beginning Korean |
| 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? | Learn a bit before you go to Korea, it really helps. Some people can speak English but don't rely on everyone to be able to. Practice with the locals when you get there! They are really patient and appreciative when you try to speak to them in their native language. |
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?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how hot it would be in Korea during the summer! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
