Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Four breath-taking seasons and innumerable heart-warming memories Past Review

By (English Literature (British and Commonwealth)., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 03/04/2014 to 12/20/2013 with

Korea University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was totally worth it! I learned about the resilience of the older generation, and how determined this small country is to become a world power. Students are pushed hard by their parents to be the best, so everything is competitive; from beauty and getting hired to speed walking and grabbing a seat on the subway.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

For English lit courses, the teaching system is quite different. They are crazy about student presentation, so brace yourself for making PPTs and group presentation. I still wrote essays, but only one or two. Since English is all Korean students' L2, the profs go easier on everyone.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The One-Stop service center is convenient and helpful~.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

KU has an awesome student body. Many are welcoming and will invite you to eat.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Super cheap! I was so surprise with the system in Korea. Even seeing a doctor is under $10. And local pharmacies,called "Yock-gook", are everywhere.

* Safety:

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

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)

Healthy Korean food is easily found for $3.50. Personal favorite is called the "bob-shik-dang" on the 5F of the Law building, as a busy student. Just ask local students.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't waste money at cafes... Most all cafes sell 5$ coffees, its ridiculous. Korea has instant coffee machines for 20cents if you want something hot and to wake you up. And kimbap isn't a bad lunch. :)

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

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginner 2 (UT standard)
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? As for class, study beforehand! Teachers only speak Korean to you. even for beginners. Tell your Korean friends you want to try your Korean... and just have fun with it! Also language exchange friends are readily available... they want to improve their English as well.

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

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Other
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the fun atmosphere, and KUBA
  • impressive teachers
  • delicious inexpensive food
* What could be improved?
  • more courses offered in English
  • getting more credit for difficult language courses
  • less cold weather!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It would be good to use credit/non-credit for courses that you aren't familiar with, especially if you are a senior.

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 Linguist
You 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!