Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing experience that will stay with you for a lifetime! Past Review

By (Montclair State University) - abroad from 06/24/2018 to 08/05/2018 with

Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to become more independent! I think it helped me grow as a person and it was the push I never knew I needed. Especially now, as I am about to graduate in a few months, I see myself in a new light, one that I think is truly going to help me succeed in my future. Experiencing a different type of lifestyle and environment was an amazing experience and opportunity that I am so glad I took advantage of.

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 I took at Korea University were absolutely amazing. My Mass Media and Popular Culture class, taught by Professor Park Ji Hoon was so informative and eye-opening, he is an incredible professor. My Korean Language class taught by Jeon Min Ji was equally as fun and educational! Both professors were helpful and knowledgeable and just all around great!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was great and was always pushing to get people involved!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was great and I wish we had ones like it here in New Jersey! The place for your shoes, the bathroom and the desks-- all of it was cozy and made the most of the space! Also the water dispensers on every floor were amazing!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The cultural excursions that I went on through this program were so amazing. I had the best time and made the greatest memories with my friends. They took me to places and gave me opportunities I never would have thought of to go or do so I am very thankful for that!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I honestly wish I wasn't a senior so I could re-enroll for a full year I loved it so much! Everyone was so helpful and welcoming, the programs were amazing and informative. My professors were so knowledgeable and Seoul is absolutely breathtaking. I would go back in a heartbeat.

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 was cheap depending on where you ate, like local restaurants. For lunch I would just eat at a convenience store because it honestly was one of my favorite things. The subway is super cheap as well so getting to places was a breeze! I spent most of my money on merchandise to bring back! Might be expensive to some, but coming from NJ where everything was expensive--this was relatively cheap for me.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150

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

My Korean professor spoke only in Korean the whole time which was terrifying at first but actually wound up being incredibly helpful and it made my education more immersive and I definitely learned way more!

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginning Korean II
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The people I met that will be my friends forever!
  • The classes I had the chance to take and the networking that came with it!
  • The city and the opportunities it gave me!
* What could be improved?
  • The buddy system was very confusing and not planned very well.
  • The favoritism when doing giveaways.
  • The really strict residence hall rules.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how short six weeks actually is. I feel like I was kind of nervous in my first week or so and I didn't start really getting into it until my second week in. Once I did, though, it was the best thing ever and I hit the ground running. There is so much to do in Seoul and trust me-- you don't want to waste a second of your time there.