Chaotic Covid Times of Abroad in Korea January 11, 2022
By A student (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/01/2021 to 12/22/2021 with
Korea University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot about the intersection of Korean history and culture especially related to the effects of Japanese colonialism and American neo-colonialism. These two periods of Korean history alone have shaped so many different aspects of Korean society including governance. This was one of the reasons why I was really excited to study in South Korea, to learn from a perspective that would be difficult to find in an American university. I also learned a lot about Korean slang, jokes and other cool things that I wouldn't have been able to learn otherwise.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I purposefully took a lot of higher level courses which were difficult but if you are willing to challenge yourself and put a lot of effort into your coursework you can learn a lot. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The room was nice, a little small but not so much so that it was very uncomfortable. The water pressure in the shower was great! |
| * Food: |
If you're looking for good on campus food, KU isn't for you. But there are plenty of amazing restaurants nearby (only 5-10 minutes) that are super cheap that give a lot of food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
COVID-19 and social distancing measures made it difficult to meet many people but the KUBA program at Korea University helped me experience real Korean culture thanks to my wonderful buddy! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The healthcare system was great, I got COVID in the end of September and the system of testing and quarantining was efficient and effective (although it was uncomfortable). |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I want to get the real Kore University and South Korea experience without all the difficulties caused by COVID forcing classes online and limiting social gatherings. |
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) |
I don't really understand the rating system that is suggested but the cost of living was not very high. It was definitely more expensive than being able to cook my own meals but the restaurants around KU are fairly cheap. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I was spending about $150 a week which is fairly cheap considering I was eating out for most of my meals. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to find the small local restaurants which sell typical Korean food, some places have full meal sized portions for only 5,000 won (little less than $5). |
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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Korean 30B |
| 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? | Just try to use the language as much as possible, even if it feels weird the words and phrases will start to come out more naturally as you continue to use them. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
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? | The course selection system is very very very competitive! Make sure that you add as many courses to your preferred registration list and try to make it to a PC Cafe so you can take advantage of the high speed wifi and computers. |
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! |
