Friendly People, Unique Food, Unforgettable Experience Past Review

By (National University of Singapore / NUS) - abroad from 06/25/2018 to 08/02/2018 with

Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Traveling after classes/after the program was so rewarding. Besides Seoul, I traveled to Busan, Daejeon, Gangneung and Ulleungdo Island. Met many people and had many amazing experiences.

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.

There were so many courses available for international students I had no difficulty finding one that interests me and at the same time counts toward my degree fulfillment.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were plenty of KU student volunteers at Woodang Hall where all classes were conducted at. So it was easy getting help whenever I needed it (e.g. asking about the gym membership; printing my class readings etc). Administration was very efficient too; I wanted to swap class sessions and it was done in less than a day.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at CJ International (too lazy to source for an accommodation by myself). I was most grateful for the 24/7 security provided at CJ. I only reached CJ at around 3-4am due to a major delay to my flight. I was so relieved to see someone (the security guard) at the reception who helped me with the check in procedures. Also, the rooms are spacious. Kitchens were well equipped with utensils and all you need to cook your own meal. Only gripe is that it is located way up a hill. I struggled to carry my groceries up that hill all the time haha. I also try to pack my bag everyday such that I would not have to return to my dorm that often because walking up that hill was such a pain. I also found the ~15 minutes walk to/from the Anam subway station too long (FYI I live in Singapore where the terrain is flat and getting everywhere is so convenient :P)

* Food:

Pretty affordable food at the school's canteens. I remember those 5000won/meal cafeteria where you can eat all you want too!! And I liked the DIY corner where students can cook eggs and make their own noodles/bibimbap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Mostly international students in the programme. The number of Korean students differ from courses to courses though.

* 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

Felt very welcomed in Korea as a foreign student; made acquaintances with locals while exercising alone at the school's track.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$150/week on everything
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prepare breakfasts and cook dinners to save money (Eat a good and satisfying Korean meal with friends for lunch). Ask your student buddy for recommendations for cheap and good food.

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? Exchange

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Freedom
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • Buddy Program - wished there could be more interactions with the buddy
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Korean. There were many instances where I was approached by strangers (on the subway, on the running track, on the street) but our conversations always end awkwardly because I do not understand the language well :( Felt like understanding Korean was the only way I can understand the culture and people better

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.