Korea is cool but Korea University not so much June 12, 2022

By (Computer Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/11/2022 to 06/23/2022 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Seoul - Korea University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Korean culture and I think it was worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took two Computer Science classes (Algorithms and Computer Architecture), Beginners Korean, and a Film class. The film class was really easy, beginners korean wasn't necessarily hard but I don't think the way they teach the language is effective. My computer science classes were lecture heavy and mostly based on the midterm and final. The CS classes were not exactly easy and the lectures were at times hard to follow. I feel like there are no out of class resources, professors are not accessible, office hours or any supplemental instruction don't exist. Its heavy on self study and I didn't really appreciate that.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on site folks were really nice and helpful for anything I needed. However, I wish we had done some more group activities or had been provided transportation back to the airport.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was okay. I was in CJ International house. They are very invasive into students lives and there isn't much of a community vibe. There is also 24/7 security. It should be noted one of the security guards made me feel really uncomfortable and I had to spend a lot of my energy avoiding him which I hated. I was in a suite with my own room. the bathroom was fine, we had some cockroach issues starting in June. The single rooms are really small and the dorms are not that great. The wallpaper is kinda falling apart with lots of random stains (maybe mold) on the walls and windows. You get used it though. The RA's are lowkey useless and they are really annoyingly strict about things and big on threatening students with giving them penalty points. There are no community vibes.

* Food:

You have to eat out pretty much and there are plenty of affordable options nearby and delivery isnt too expensive either. I am Muslim and only eat halal/vegetarian and so that made things a lot more difficult. I would say Anam has a good number of options and if not, Yogiyo isn't bad either.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

the students at KU were reluctant to talk to foreigners and there isn't much of an opportunity to interact with the local students. I felt very isolated from local culture and didn't feel like I really integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A I didnt need healthcare

* Safety:

Korea is really safe and I never felt unsafe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would choose a different school

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)

If you're smart you can live on a budget bc the cost of living is low but I wasn't that good about it

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

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? Learn Hangul and at least basic phrases before you come. Hangul is really easy to learn you can start reading in a week honestly,

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Overnight trip to Jeollado
  • Exploring Seoul/Being in Seoul
  • Experiencing a new environment
* What could be improved?
  • Inclusion of foreigner students
  • More transparency around Korea University's academics
  • Better living situation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The academics of Korea University

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!