Crazy Times at YISS Past Review

By (Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/26/0012 to 08/09/2012 with

Yonsei University: Yonsei International Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worth while and I learned how much influence America has internationally.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes I took weren't too difficult, which was great because I primarily went to see the culture. My professors were really cool too.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were good but sometimes hard o talk to or get in touch with. Also it was hard figuring out exactly where to go one you got to Yonsei.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very nice dorms but a little small for a double and not co-ed. I'd advise staying in SK and not I-House.

* Food:

I kept kosher bu everyone els loved the food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely flt like an outsider but I feel lie I got an insider perspective.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no medical issues but there is a good hospital on campus.

* Safety:

Safest city I've ever been too. You could practically walk around with money flying out of your pocket and no one would take it.

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

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)

Korea is pretty ineensive but it more than India Thailand or China

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* 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? 175
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't promise to bring back souvenirs

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

Almost no encouragement unless you take anguage classes.

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? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Take the classes if you want to learn it.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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

  • 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?
  • I was able to get away from America but still be very comfortable.
* What could be improved?
  • Programs to help people meet each other and allowing both dorms access to the other dorm.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much there was to see outside of Seoul.