Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My first studying abroad and college experience Past Review

By (Santa Laurensia High School) - 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?
I learn many things during the program. I got to learn new things, experience new things, etc. like new subjects, new people and a completely different experience from high school life. I also learn how to interact with others. It was worthwhile, even though it only stays for a month.

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.

Joining KU ISC was a new and fun experience for me. It was my first time studying abroad and I also met many new friends from various countries and ages. I also got to experience and learn many new things during my stay there for 1 month. The professors also made me comfortable joining the class and I'm glad to be in their class. Overall I enjoy my time during the KU ISC program very much thanks to everyone I met there.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I apply for the program by myself not from other institutions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dormitory is beautiful and comfortable to live in. I also got a wonderful roommate which is very kind and very reliable.

* Food:

The food in South Korea suits my taste, so I enjoy the food there, even though some food did taste a bit blend for me.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most people treat me kindly in South Korea.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I don't have any health issues during the program.

* Safety:

From what I experience, I feel that South Korea is very safe even to walk alone at night, especially when compared to my home country.

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

I enjoy my time there so much, and I got to meet many great friends and teachers. And I got to experience a college students life and I also got to see daily life of Korean people. I also got to learn their cultures and their overall personalities.

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)

Stuffs are quite cheap in South Korea and it is affordable, but it is relatively more expensive than things are in my home country. And it is possibly because I don't really need much stuffs during my stay in South Korea.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $90~$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy what you need

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

As I was studying Korean in South Korea, I think that it is only right to practice my speaking by talking to natives, so I mostly use Korean except when I was talking to foreigners. I did talk to my Korean friends with Korean.

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? level 2B
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? Find friends who talk fluently of the language, whether they are native or not. And try to hear conversations online, or from movies.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Lessons
  • Cultural activities
  • Meeting new people
* What could be improved?
  • The buddy program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it is going to be very hot there. If I knew it, I would have brought sunscreen so I didn't get tanned very much.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'