THANK YOU KOREA UNIVERSITY! Past Review

By (Communications, College of San Mateo) - abroad from 06/26/2017 to 08/02/2017 with

Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Because of this magnificent school and program, I was able to appreciate more of my culture, increase my communication skills, and become independent. My first ever experience studying abroad was very worthwhile, and I will always choose to go back to Korea University.

Review Photos

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? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

After attending Korea University for the summer, I can now understand why it is one of the top and best universities in South Korea. Although the academic atmosphere and work was pretty intense, the Korea University students and residents were very helpful, and study groups were a huge factor on my performance during the six weeks.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in Frontier throughout my time at Korea University. I really enjoy the area since it was walking distance to the main campus, convenient stores and a subway station.

* Food:

There were many restaurants, cafes, and stores I could go around campus which is very convenient. As a college student, I wish the prices were better for those who can not spend as much. However, the cafeteria was pretty decent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

When I first arrived to Korea University, I had a difficult time finding the Frontier dormitory. However, a Korea University student stopped and guided me to where I was suppose to go. And throughout my time at Korea University and around Seoul, the locals and residents were very helpful, kind, and amazing to be around. Because of the close social interactions, I felt more at home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

During orientation, the police station near Korea University came to explain the importance of safety. Because of their informative speech, I felt very safe throughout my time on and off campus.

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

Korea University provided the most unforgettable memories I will forever treasure in my life. As an American Korean who grew up in a more Western dominant culture, I was able to reconnect with my heritage through this wonderful program. I took a Korean Language class that I enjoyed very much; my teacher was so kind and informative. Now, I am able to speak to my Grandparents confidently and share the experiences I had during my stay in Korea University. The field trips were also absolutely amazing. Not only did we go to many touristy hotspots but we were able to venture out of Seoul to appreciate the scenery and country life. Korea University treats their students with such kindness and care; right when I stepped onto campus, the faculty and staff helped me ease my nervousness and answered questions that I held. Because of this helpfulness and amazing treatment, I was able to strive for my goals, and continue to work hard when I came back to the United States.

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)

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? 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? Beginning Korean Language
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Although studying by textbook and notecards will help, the best way of studying would be to actually go out and using the language to locals. It helps tremendously since it forces you to use the language to get around the area.

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

  • 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?
  • Field Trips
  • Korea University Classroom Experience
  • Korea University Orientation and Graduation
* What could be improved?
  • Dormitory Rules
  • Food prices
  • Dormitory Guidance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Because I did extensive research before arriving to Korea University, I did not have a lot of information I would have like to have known before arriving.

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:

Beginning Korean Language

Course Department: Korean Language
Instructor: Ji Young Min
Instruction Language: Korean/English
Comments: The course was challenging; however, my instructors did an amazing job of making sure it was thorough and clear while teaching Korean language. The grammar and numbers help a lot when traveling around the Seoul community. My instructors were very knowledgeable and well prepared at the very start of class. They were both amazing, and they helped me strive to work harder to learn Korean.
Credit Transfer Issues: I had no issues trasnferring credit.