SNU Exchange Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

Seoul National University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The best thing I got out of my study abroad experience was really gaining another perspective. Because all of the classes I took were taught in English, the classes were composed of mostly international students. One of my classes was a weekly three-hour discussion about global issues and ethical thinking. Until now, I have only been fed the American view on most all topics; through this class in particular, I was able to see other viewpoints and in this, the experience was an extremely valuable one.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? No

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

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • being able to be a university student in a foreign country
  • the dorm food was pretty good
  • exploring Seoul
* What could be improved?
  • more events for international students while abroad
  • the application process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Because SNU is Korea's top university, you should go into the program keeping this in mind. Everyone studies really hard and this can affect the curve if grades are of utmost importance to you.