Going to South Korea was the Best Decision I Ever Made Past Review
By Katrina N (Accounting, University of Hawaii - Manoa) for
Sogang University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes, it was definitely worthwhile. I'll be honest though-- since I obviously looked like a foreigner, I did often feel self-conscious and somewhat frustrated/angry by the stares (and sometimes different treatment) I received compared to my Korean (or Korean-looking) friends. But it definitely opened my eyes, and I feel like a stronger, more aware person. I can understand why people are still xenophobic, since Korea is still "ethnically homogeneous." Nevertheless, I still love Korea, since I met so many friendly Korean people as well.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system for classes taught in English is a bit easier than the Korean classes, and the professors are also very empathetic toward students so the work load is not as heavy (e.g., less reading assignments, shorter papers, etc.) |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Sogang's administration was very efficient, because they responded to my questions right away and they organized trips and dinners for the international students. I am grateful for all of their help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the dorm with my friend from Hawaii for the whole semester, but when I first arrived I actually checked in at a youth hostel. To settle in, I just needed to by a pillow (I brought my own sheets from home), and we were not allowed to cook in the dorms at all, so I did not buy any cookware (other than a coffee cup and spoon). During trips outside Seoul, we stayed at a few hotels and I visited my friend at his apartment. My other Korean friend was also kind enough to take us to her home, so we met her family and stayed at her house for a weekend. They were so kind; they cooked for us and took us on a tour around Yesan-gun. Sinchon, the neighborhood around Sogang University, is very safe, clean, and very close to Seoul's exciting nightlife-- bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, cafes, and more. |
| * Food: |
The cafeteria food was okay, but I really enjoyed eating out-- there are so many excellent and cheap restaurants in Sinchon and other areas in Seoul. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There was an international office trip to Jeonju, where we learned about traditional Korean culture and crafts. I also went to Busan with friends, and it was amazing (we tried interesting seafood and saw the pretty beaches). I enjoyed going to the amusement parks in Seoul (Lotte World and Everland), and other sites like the 63 building, Gyeongbok Palace, the Incheon Music Festival (only $5 for foreigners) and Lee Seung Gi concert. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Seoul, despite the recent "attacks" by North Korea. I was surprised how trusting most people were. For example, people would leave their wallets, phones, or merchandise laying out in the open, and nobody would take it. I even felt fine walking by myself at night. Even though I did get sick for a little while, it was not so bad that I had to go to the hospital. But I wasn't worried because Yonsei Hospital is nearby, and I had heard that they speak English so foreigners shouldn't have a hard time. |
| 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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Language
| 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? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you can, try to learn some Korean before you go to Korea. (You actually don't need to know Korean at all if you study in Seoul, since almost everything is translated into English, but I think your experience will be much better if you know some Korean.) |
