It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience Past Review
By Ho Sze Wai Emily (Hong Kong Polytechnic University) - abroad from 06/26/2018 to 07/19/2018 with
Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus
My Korean skills elevated a lot after the program. I got to know my buddy through the buddy program and she taught me Korean. Both my speaking and writing skills have improved a lot when compared to the time before I joined this program. Moreover, through the well-organised course and interesting cultural activities, I understood Korean cultures in more different aspects.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The application procedure is very convenient. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the CJ dorm and I am very satisfied with it. The hygiene is good and the arrangement of the school bus to school every day is appreciated. The dorm is quiet and the living environment is very nice despite its location up on the hill. |
| * Food: |
The food provided by the Korea University canteen is delicious with varying choices every day. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Apart from courses about Korean popular cultures, I also got the chances to participate in many cultural activities organized by KUISC, for example, Kpop dance flash mob, Korean calligraphy, etc. The most memorable experience was that I got the chance to watch Music Bank. It was one of the most precious moments. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Seoul is very safe to travel around. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
If I could do it all over again, I would definitely choose the same program. KUISC is the best thing I have experienced in the 2018 summer. I am able to meet many locals and students from all over the world, I broadened my horizon when we communicated with each other. I also got to know my buddy and I often speak Korean to her and through practices, my Korean is getting better and better. I took the course "Mass Media and Popular Culture in Korea", the course was well-organised and I gained a lot of knowledge on the Korean popular culture in the academic aspect which I have never known before. Apart from attending lectures, I also joined many cultural activities organised by Korea University, for example, Kpop dance flash mob, Korean calligraphy, etc. I also got the chance to watch Music Bank. The manifest events have extended my understanding of Korean culture. I have made many beautiful memories at Korea University and that is definitely a worthwhile summer that I have spent there. Last but not least, I really appreciate the campus because the architecture is very pretty and the environment is very relaxing. |
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) |
The food in Seoul around the university district is cheap and affordable. The student canteen serves delicious food at cheap prices. The daily necessities and laundry cost are acceptable. |
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 |
We learnt the Korea University Cheers in Korean during the Orientation days. |
| 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 |
| 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? | I suggest speaking as much Korean as you can to the people around you, for example, when you are buying things at a store, saying "thank you" or ask something in Korean. Daily practices really help a lot. |
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? | Korea University is very big and it takes some time to travel from my dorm to the campus. |
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 LinguistYou 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: |
Mass Media and Popular Culture in Korea |
| Course Department: | Department of Mass Media |
| Instructor: | Dr. Ji Hoon Park |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Professor Park is very knowledgeable and he is able to conduct the lectures clearly with fluent English. He is able to discuss with us on the questions we have raised and provided us with lots of useful information other than the lecture notes. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
