Worth every penny. Past Review

By (West Texas A&M University) - abroad from 08/21/2017 to 12/23/2017 with

USAC Korea: Yonsei University in Seoul - Korean and East Asian Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was such an amazing experience and if I could I would do it again in a heartbeat. I learned so much about not just Korean culture, but also a lot of cultures of the international friends that I made. I learned how to not be scared to go places on my own and how to really experience things on my own.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The only reason that I gave it 5 stars was because I was with a organization outside of Yonsei University. With the actual university though, there wasn't really much that they did that allowed the exchange students to really get involved with the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

This program didn't have a lot of excursions like it said it was going to, but it was one of the cheapest that I found in the country and city that I wanted to go to. It also was very responsive to me and I did get a scholarship from them that helped me pay for my study abroad.

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 budget well, it is very easy to live in Seoul and be completely comfortable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spent all of your money in the first month of being there.

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? A very kindergarten level Korean class
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? Don't be scared to actually speak it, its okay if you mess up, and make native friends.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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?
  • The cost
  • The city and school that it was in
  • There was always an open line of communication
* What could be improved?
  • More events with my program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to do my ARC and everything that you can do with that.

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!