Never-ending exposure to a beautiful culture Past Review
By Amanda Ferns (Cardinal Stritch University) - abroad from 02/24/2016 to 12/17/2016 with
Catholic University of Korea: Songsim - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned more about a beautiful language and culture, and it changed my perspective and how I view the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone at the Catholic University of Korea were so open-minded and willing to help. I felt very comfortable there. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
For almost half of my housing tuition at my home school, I was given so much in my Korean dorm. Every dorm room had a bathroom, shower, phone, and mini-fridge provided for us. It was an amazing thing to have. |
| * Food: |
Very affordable and delicious food surrounding the campus! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were many options for me to meet Korean students and talk to them about their culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My roommate and friend that I went to Korea with needed medical help and it was very affordable and quick for her to get treated. |
| * Safety: |
Korea is so safe, I never once felt threatened or in harm during my stay. I could take walks with my friend at night and feel so safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Everyone was so kind and helpful, it was easy to feel comfortable and settle in. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Food and transportation is very affordable, but it is easy to spend a lot of money here on makeup and clothes. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at the (teacher) cafeteria for lunch, it's cheaper than the restaurants and you can eat delicious typical Korean lunch (rice, soup, meat, and side dishes). |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
During the class, even level 1, the teacher will only speak in Korean forcing you to listen and get used to 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 how to read and write Hangul before going to the country. It will save you time, and help with the subways. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Koreans don't wear as many heels as the media says they do. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
