SNU: Home Abroad Past Review
By So Hyun P (Economics., Wellesley College) for
Seoul National University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My experience at SNU was definitely a worthwhile one. I learned a lot, not only from the classroom but also from SNU students, professors, and many others I met in around Seoul. Studying at SNU changed some perceptions I had about Korea, while enabling me thnk about my cultural identity as well. Rigorous academic setting also challenged me as I explored various courses around the campus.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Seoul National University is highly respected in South Korea, for its rigorous education and the quality of students there. Professors often challenge the students to learn beyond the class materials, although it is not quite easy to get to know them personally because SNU is a very big school. Students are hard-working; they often form study groups on their own, which seems to be an efficient way of learning in such environment. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program did not have much English service, which was a bit tough for other fellow foreign students to register for courses, and settle themselves in SNU. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with my family. |
| * Food: |
They had different menus every day, and each cafeteria had its own. Usually the menu gave two options, one usually Korean and the other foreign cuisine. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | The meals usually cost USD3.00. So if you eat at SNU cafeterias every day, then you should spend about USD21.00. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | SNU is not a very expensive place; however, if someone wants to go shopping in Seoul, it can get quite pricey in the metro area. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I recommend this program to students of Korean descent who have spent most of their lives in foreign countries. |
