Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Educational and life-changing solo summer! Past Review

By (Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts) - abroad from 06/25/2018 to 07/19/2018 with

Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was my first time travelling alone. Hence it was even more thrilling, exciting and fresh experience for me. I was able to enjoy Korean culture as well as living alone. It was a ground-breaking milestone for me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The content for the program was interesting and educational. However, it would be good to have some team-bonding or get to know each other activities. I was not able to make much friends as a lot of people went for the program with their existing school/class mates so they had friends with them.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Activities provided by school were great! We were very well-taken care of.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A friend stayed in the dorms, KU's dorms are really high up and there are lots of steep stairs. Not recommended because there's a lot of stairs in Korea already. No need to climb additional to get self tired, unless you need motivation to exercise.

* Food:

School's food was good! And quite affordable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Did not really get to immerse totally in Korean culture as I did not manage to make any Korean friends. However, I did as many activities Koreans would do based on what the internet recommended.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

NA

* Safety:

Korea is really safe! Unless you stay out too late or are alone in the dark alleyways, which, are usually dangerous parts in most countries.

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

I'd still take Mass Media and Popular Culture in Korea and maybe Korean Language if I had the money. This course had really educational and interesting topics taught!

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)

Food in Korea is relatively affordable and good. The quantity is quite big too, since there's always refillable side dishes.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? SGD200 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? 1 + 1 offers in convenience stores!!!! You can buy them in the morning and have them for lunch and dinner (if they're not refridgerated items)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • School's activities
  • Lessons
* What could be improved?
  • More activities to get to know other people
  • Group outings by KU's 'school ambassadors'
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack less for summer school. You could and really should shop there to get anything else you need later on!

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 Urbanite
A 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.