Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I Must Go Back Past Review

By (East Asian Languages and Cultures, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/22/2014 to 12/18/2014 with

Korea University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Think positive and your experience will be positive.

Review Photos

Korea University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Korea University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Korea University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Korea University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Korea University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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.

Classes can be a bit intense, but don't forget to enjoy your time. They know you're an exchange student and may find it difficult to adjust to their education system

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Just use the one-stop office

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the cheapest and most crowded dorm (three to a tiny room), but it was also the nicest and cleanest, so it was worth it. I was happy not to get one of the bigger dorm rooms because they were a bit old and nowhere near as nice.

* Food:

Food was great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Depends on the person and if you are willing to venture outside of KUBA, but I did and met tons of locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Some friends had health issues and there is a hospital on campus and healthcare is cheap and nice.

* Safety:

I've walked alone around 2/3am to get snacks and felt no danger. Seoul is extremely safe, just don't place yourself in any dangerous situations and even then they'll probably avoid the foreigner

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)

Food was cheap, clothes were cheap.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy everything because it's cheap!

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? Direct Enrollment

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
  • 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?
  • Beautiful campus
  • quiet area
  • small population
* What could be improved?
  • KUBA
  • foreign language component
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't wait until later to go places, buy souvenirs, etc. It was December before I realised I had never gone to some museums, but knew the shopping areas like the back of my hand.

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!