Great Time! Past Review
By Chandler (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/27/2018 to 12/21/2018 with
Yonsei University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned that I can survive anywhere! But I think that came from being abroad in general instead of specifically being at Yonsei. It's a basic exchange program but your experience depends on whether or not you're willing to explore.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
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? |
I lived off campus in an Airbnb |
| * Food: |
The food here is so cheap! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I took classes at UIC which helped me make friends with actual Korean and international students. |
|
* 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
I think Yonsei was great! It was less academically challenging than my home university, so it gave me time to explore. I feel that my willingness to put myself out there helped me have a great time. Like once I got invited to a dinner with the president of Yonsei because one of my professors randomly invited students! Have an open mind! |
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) |
Sometimes I would spend less than $7 USD on food a day...you'll survive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to find small part-time side hustles! I had a babysitting and tutoring gig. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 202 |
| 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 sure you watch Youtube videos about essential Korean phrases. Also to help you gain confidence make sure you try to talk to sales attendants, waiters, etc and you can move up to other people. And try to find a language buddy |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Basically I would have budgeted better. I depended on money from my school to survive and wish I had gotten more info about it beforehand. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
