Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Trip of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Cardinal Stritch University) - abroad from 07/04/2017 to 07/29/2017 with

Catholic University of Korea: Songsim - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that there are so many different things in this world, and the world is not just about you! There are so many different people, and so many different things to expedience. Korea was eye opening, and life changing for me!

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.

I loved Korea! I loved the students that I met on the trip, and the courses that were offered in the summer

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Ryan was an amazing person who really spoke to us, and really was well educated on the Korean culture.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Stayed in the Dormitory at Catholic university of Korea. The facilities were amazing.

* Food:

the food was different, but very good!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The culture is completely different in Korea, than it is in the United states. It took some getting use to, but not long!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Was not really addressed to much. I did not have any issues to much in Korea, so i did not really ask to many questions.

* Safety:

Had amazing time in every aspect of the trip

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

I would go back to Korea in a heartbeat. The culture, the people, everything was so great. I also really enjoyed the people that I met there, from countries other than Korea. Everyday was an adventure, and i would do it all over again!

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around $75.00- $100.00 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would grocery shop next time. Help save money. It is okay to eat out sometime, but making meals will really help with saving money.

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

Took a Korean language class, and it was fun. Still don't know to much Korean, but a little bit.

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? Repetition!

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • People
  • Korean Culture
  • School
* What could be improved?
  • The Heat in the Dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To pack less. That would be my tip.

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 Urbanite
A 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.