HIGHLIGHT OF MY SUMMER BREAK! Past Review
By Alifah Ilyana (University of Glasgow) - abroad from 06/26/2018 to 07/19/2018 with
Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus
I improve my Korean so much! After 4 weeks of studying Korean properly, I can already sing in Korean very well whenever I went to karaoke room in Korea! I can even chat with uncles/aunties on subway and talk to cashier in convenience shop. I used to study Korean on my own for a year, I thought I know enough, but I was wrong. You definitely need a proper learning experience and you need to be in the country of the language you're learning. I learned a lot in 1 month compared to my 1 year of self-learning. Besides academic wise, I get to learn and indulge myself in Korean social and cultural too. It was really fun and I would definitely return to this program!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It is really easy to follow the course because there is a steady flow to it. Plus, the teacher had an amazing skill to ensure that there is always a 2-way interaction in class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration team is very responsive and easy to reach! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Since we have Korean Buddy, it feels more like home. They bring you to places which is not overrated, therefore it is nice to travel and see Korea through the eyes of local people. The co-curricular activities are amazing! Lotte world, Nanta cooking show, K-pop dance class and Mud Festival! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I feel safe travelling around in Korea, even though I am a Muslim girl, I never received any weird glances or anything bad. I feel welcomed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
As an avid K-pop/K-drama/K-food/K-fashion lover, coming to this program is definitely the highlight of my fangirl life! My Korean language skills improve in just 4 weeks, it worth much more than my 1 year of self learning. I met friends from all over the world and had a great time with my Korean Buddy! I even had the chance to attend Twice's pre-broadcast for Mnet Countdown and Show Champion, all thanks to my local Korean friends :) The administration team also did an excellent job in arranging the cultural activities and in managing this program. All staff and volunteers are very energetic and friendly, making this program filled with positive vibes. I had an amazing time there. From learning, cultural and travelling experience! I would definitely recommend this program to my friends. Oh, and did I said that I'm coming back to KUISC again next summer? XD |
Finances
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* 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) |
If you're coming from countries with currency which have rates almost similar to KRW, there shouldn't be any problem. It is affordable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | KRW 100000 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook at your accommodation if you can! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The teacher use Korean almost 90% of the time. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Learn more on the grammar, and learn as many vocab as you can. |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | 4 weeks program is not enough, go for 6 weeks program! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
