hit the ground running Past Review

By (Foreign Languages, University of New Mexico) - abroad from 08/28/2011 to 06/25/2012 with

Sungshin Women's University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned Korean (mostly from Dongguk) and I met a lot of different kinds of people. I learned how to be self-reliant and also how to get involved in Korean culture. -- it was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

Sungshin Women's University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Sungshin Women's University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Sungshin Women's University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Sungshin Women's University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Sungshin Women's University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Sungshin Women's University, Dongguk University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Sungshin: The English selection was low and the Korean classes were choppy with two different teachers. Thus, I took 3 different level German classes (only allowed into the ones taught by Germans).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Buddies offered were unreliable. The staff was hard to reach (other campus + busy/other obligations). One was personable, but had no power to help us. No English offered at mandatory orientation. A Plus: 3 events - farewell party, overnight trip to Gangwha-do, and home stay for Korean holiday.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice apartment, but location was atop a mountain (exercise!). 15-20 min walk to school + public transport - but good grocery selection. Unequal pay and rooms in the dorm - 6 girls, 4 rooms - 2 shared and 2 had solo rooms - but 2 paid (one with solo room) $300 and others paid $500/mo. -- this was rectified in 2nd sememster. Also -- unannounced "intrusion" (inspection, cleaning, tech people) many times a week from unknown people (language barrier). Security issue -code key wasn't changed with new wards-- old ward enter unannounced. No individual door lock/key. Plus: padding on the floors comfortable and modern appliances. - negative: chairs didn't fit the desks.

* Food:

The school did not offer a meal plan. I did not use their cafeteria. (this question does not apply). -- independent establishments were all around the school though + grocery stores / convenience stores. It was really easy to find food. (I'd give general availability of food a 4 and selection a 3.5 -- Korean food is king)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most people didn't speak much English - so I used Korean a lot. I lived with only international students - so we didn't get to practice much at home... the Korean Thanksgiving home-stay was a good experience. But usually - I didn't interact with Koreans for fun (language barrier).

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No vaccine necessary. Japanese Encephalitis was suggested. The school nurse there was easy to reach and was authorized to give medicine in 3 day packs - free. My roommate was sick once and we were able to get her to a hospital nearby and taken care of. For me - my wisdom tooth got infected and was able to get translation from the office and visit the dentist - got antibiotics and went back for 1 removal -- approximately $75 dollars for all of it (both pill sets + 3 visits) - much cheaper than home.

* Safety:

Seoul felt very safe for such a huge city. I could (though didn't often) walk around alone in Donam-dong (where we lived) after dark (11PM-12AM) and still see people in the streets and be in a lit area. Koreans are very active and busy - so the transport system is great at all hours of operation.

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)

Cheap meal: 1 (ramen) -4.5 dollars ... fruit expensive, transport: 2 dollars inner-city (round trip), Stuff: dollar store (plates/etc.), Costco for bulk (hard to buy bulk otherwise); ... clothes could be $$ (no trying on). Service was cheap - delivery, no tips, street vendors.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 130
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat like an American... You have to change your diet to Korean staples (rice, pepper, pickled vegetables, soy, minimal fruit)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Sungshin had 2 mandatory Korean classes... but little opportunity to use the language in normal academic classes. -- I will answer this for Sungshin. //Dongguk prepared me much much more (at least 16 hours a week - left as intermediate)

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? Make Korean friends, write a diary - always try Korean first and use Konglish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • living in Korea
* What could be improved?
  • communication
  • options
  • efficiency
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Never trust someone to do their job. I wish I knew I had check up on people.

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 Linguist
You 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!