Wonderful Once in a Lifetime Experience! Past Review

By (Seattle Pacific 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 so much about Korean politics and political science in general. It was through such great professors and classes that I decided to make my political science minor into a major. The program set up and its intention of allowing its students to fully enjoy Seoul and make friends was very much worthwhile.

Review Photos

Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus Photo Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus Photo Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes that were provided were stimulating but not overbearing. I learned so much over the 6 weeks at KU and from amazing such amazing professors. I don't think I would have been able to learn so much if I had not studied abroad. The professors were very intelligent and great all around. They recognized that students came to study abroad to enjoy the country as well as study, so it was a great work load to do both. Thankful to have been taught by them.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I did not engage much of the Host Country Program Administration, but they were well received from the speeches they gave to the class. I enjoyed them, and I did not view them in a bad light.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was average. Accommodations such as laundry and connivence to the university were well met and I enjoyed going home everyday. I would have preferred if I could get delivery, but I understand why it was not allowed in the dorms. The fact that there was free filtered water was a great plus to the dorms.

* Food:

The KU ISC program does not provide a meal plan. However, there are several restaurants right outside the university, and there is a cafeteria near the building where all the classes are held. I would suggest trying as many restaurants around the school as possible - all are really good and not too expensive! It was a joy trying different restaurants everyday. The cafeteria also served really good cheap food! It was hard trying to get food sometimes though, since we only get 40 minutes for lunch. I would prefer if more time was given so that I would not have to rush eating. The lines get fairly long, so I would have to resort to ramen a few days in order to get some food in me.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My integration was mainly done with the third party that I applied to the program with. I did attend some of the K-Culture events with the university, such as the cooking class, which was really fun! However, the communication of the buddy system, which is a great idea in itself, was poorly done with my third party, and I never had the chance to meet a buddy. I would have appreciated having a Korean student to ask questions from, but I was not able to. Most of my integration was done on my own accord.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not actively receive heath care, but I did ask questions about vaccines. They require you to go to the office for a quote, so that was not fun. I did not end up going, since I did not want to make the trip.

* Safety:

I always felt safe and secure on campus and at the dorms. The dorms always have a security guard and most things require a KU student ID to access. Nothing to worry about, and all of my belongings were safe.

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

Participating in the KU ISC program has given me so much to be thankful for. It has gifted me with friends, knowledge, and memories that I will cherish forever. I would not have gotten the same experience with other programs. It was wonderful and I loved every moment of it.

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 pretty cheap! Food was definitely well within my budget, but it was not a minimal cost since you had to pay for every meal you ate. The dorms don't have kitchens, so you had to eat out every meal, which was a bummer. Transportation is super cheap though and very convenient! However, you get very tempted to buy personal items in Korea since a lot of it is cheaper than what it would be in the states. So, not the easiest thing to stay on budget, but not impossible.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always eat in groups! Korea is a big food-sharing culture, so it will save you to go in groups. Also, try to save nonperishable foods in your dorms for times that you want food, but don't want to go buy any.

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

They strongly suggested taking the Korean language course, but since I was already taking two classes, I did not pay much heed to it.

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? Intermediate Spanish
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? Talk to locals! Read any Korean that you can and always order your food in Korean!

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
  • 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?
  • Professors
  • Diversity of Students
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with Third Parties
  • Extended lunch period
  • A list of things to see in Korea/a kakao talk to ask someone for things to do
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Korea is very very hot and humid in the summer. Do not, please do not, overpack and pack any thick layers. You will be buying a lot of clothes, so keep your packing minimal.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Understanding Korean Politics

Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Antonio Fiori
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Dr. Fiori is one of the best professors I have learned form. His classes were always engaging and a joy to attend. I learned so much more than I planned to and I am thankful for that. He is very knowledgable and a great professor to learn from.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Comparative Politics

Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Thomas D. Lancaster
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Wonderful class that was both fun and meaningful! Dr. Lancaster is very knowledgable in the subject and knew how to allow the students to engage in the subject. We had a field trip to the Bank of Korea which was fun and allowed me to learn more about the connection between economics and government. The workload was appropriate for the course and I am thankful for being able to have learned so much in such a short time, but still enjoy my study abroad experience.
Credit Transfer Issues: