Learned and practiced pop culture in Korea! Past Review

By (University of Colorado - Denver) - abroad from 12/27/2019 to 01/17/2020 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Seoul - Winter Term in Korea

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From studying abroad in Seoul, I got an insight into Korean popular culture and how it is influential worldwide. I understand now. It is worthwhile to see the love for Korean culture (kdrams, kpop, Korean health and beauty products) and where it comes from.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Seoul - Winter Term in Korea Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Seoul - Winter Term in Korea Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Seoul - Winter Term in Korea Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Seoul - Winter Term in Korea Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Seoul - Winter Term in Korea 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.

I took Mass Media and Popular Culture in Korea class. This was insightful as I learned about popular culture and got to experience it firsthand in Korea. The professor was interesting and engaging as there were many video clips and interesting topics about South Korea's culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) did a wonderful job welcoming me and my peers to South Korea. Not only did they provide a welcome dinner, but they also had a farewell dinner for us. I was always able to contact the regional director via Kakao Talk (Korea's message app). They even reached out before I left to ensure I could contact them if there were any issues when traveling to South Korea. I felt fully supported during my time in a foreign country.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The international student dorms at Korea University were nice for three weeks. It was a traditional double room with a shared bathroom. There was a ton of storage in a small space. It seems possible to live in during a semester. One unique thing I noticed was that my dorm floors were heated! The floors are divided up by gender. There is also a strict no guests allowed policy. This was ok because many of my friends I met were on the same floor as me. And if not, we just hung out at a restaurant or coffee shop. There was a shared laundry and kitchen space on the first floor. The kitchen had storage lockers for each room as no food was allowed in our rooms. There was also shared fridges and every student was allowed 5-liter plastic container to keep food in the fridge with. This was ok for the three weeks I was there. I bought a small pan and oil to cook myself eggs for breakfast. I can see how for a long period of time it would be something to adjust to.

* Food:

The food was unique and tasty. I had an opportunity to try Korean foods I cannot find in my area of Denver Colorado. Korean food is spicy and vinegary. It was about similar priced in the US, but it was traditional good Korean food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While I was in Seoul and attending Korea University, I got to immerse myself with the local culture. I used the public subway system to get around. I visited many tourist and historical sites to learn about Korea's culture. My course was also great as I got to learn about Korean popular culture then experience outside the classroom. However, I was limited to my interactions with the locals. The winter program was primarily with international students from around the world. I got to meet students from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China, but there were not many Koreans in my class because it was an international program. I also do not know the Korean language, so I was limited to talking with people. However, I did get more cultural exposure of Korea than I ever had.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not have an issue where I needed to use my international healthcare but was provided with good coverage from TEAN.

* Safety:

While I did not know the language, I felt completely safe. The locals were kind and everyone kept to themselves. Locals are out late, so I didn't feel unsafe when returning home late from adventuring. Also, know that Korea University and Seoul, in general, are very hilly, so be prepared to do a lot of walking up and down hills (you get used to it after a while). I had an app that helped guide me through the subway systems. One major thing I recommend to future students is get a local SIM-card. This will help access anything you need while out and about: translating app, transportation app, or just finding nearby food. Another tip, Google maps does not work well in South Korea, so I used Kakao map or Naver map.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The program was well structured and it was a great time experiencing the city of Seoul.

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)

This is a personal preference when studying abroad. While I spent more than my usual student budget, I spent it on things I don't do every day (tours, going out to eat, souvenirs, etc.). This is based on what the student brings and wants to do while in Korea. I rated this a four because I spent what I prepared to spend.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money to bring with you. You may spend more than intended so be prepared for that.

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

There was no encouragement as the program was in English. There was a foreign language class available, but not forced.

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? Go out and speak with the locals. Practice ordering food or talking to store clerks. In China, I practiced a lot with the locals when I was out buying things or looking for directions.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The class.
  • TEAN's program
  • TEAN's support
* What could be improved?
  • More TEAN immersion activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was told there would be a lot of walking and hills to go up and down but did not anticipate to be all over the city.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Mass Media and Popular Culture in Korea

Course Department: Communication-Media Studies
Instructor: Dr. Ji Hoon Park
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class was everything I wanted for a three-week pop culture class in South Korea. The professor was very knowledgeable about Korean culture. He spoke great English and engaged a lot with the class. It was a traditional lecture, but the professor kept things engaging with videos and clips that exemplified Korean pop culture through media. I did participate less than at my home university in the US. In the US, there is often more time for group discussions and time to practice the concepts. However, it was mostly lectures from the professor. It was fine but had to do more reflective work outside of class. The location of Korea University was beautiful as the campus is wonderful.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues transferring credits. Before departure, my home university did an amazing job to ensure my credits will transfer. About a month and a half upon return from South Korea, and my transferred credits already show up on my account.