Korea: re-think if you are not a native. Past Review

By (Psychology/Music, Wellesley College) for

Seoul National University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My mom wanted me to come back to Korea for a semester because she wanted me to be set with my future plan after graduating from college. She wanted me to be set on the place I would like to stay and have a job. I learned that during 8 years of studying in the United States, I changed much, and I feel much more fit in the American society than in the Korean society. I also learned how lucky and priviledged I am to be able to receive Wellesley education.

Review Photos

Direct Enrollment: Seoul - Seoul National University Photo

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.

The quality of education was very poor compared to Wellelsey. What I learned over a semester over there was the same amount as what I would have learned in 2 weeks at Wellesley. (literally)

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was written in Korean, and not many people spoke English. Hardly anyone spoke English fluently.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with my parents at my house.

* Food:

quality was very poor compared to Wellesley.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not hang out with friends at SNU, but rather my own friends from childhood.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe, partially because I am a native Korean.

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
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? .

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are not fluent in Korean, it may be very challenging. And, Korea is not yet open to foreigners to full extent, so you might have a difficult time.