CUK Abroad Experience Past Review
By Veronica Alanis (Cardinal Stritch University) - abroad from 08/25/2019 to 12/13/2019 with
Catholic University of Korea: Songsim - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I really was able to get out of my comfort zone, I regret not doing much on my days off (like going out and exploring) but I realized that it's fun to just go and adventure by yourself. I also learned how to figure out the subway alone!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
dorms were phenomenal, monthly cleanings which made sure residents stayed clean, cleaning materials provided. |
| * Food: |
although there was no school meal plan provided, cafeteria food was very cheap, tasty and good portions. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
felt like I could have taken part of the language exchange classes but unfortunately they would interfere with the classes I was taking for credit and you could not be late to language classes |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
while being there, I had a horrible allergic reaction. I advised the study abroad director in charge and was able to assist me with a student who took me to the clinic where she was able to translate |
| * Safety: |
always felt safe! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved the location of the university, even if it was right outside of Seoul. all the staff was incredible and although local students were a bit shy, I was able to make great friends |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about $100+ for food, $10 when recharging metro card |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | really do save up! take out bank loans (some provided) if needed to, get a credit card or open a bank account in your country of visit (even if its just for a semester) because some banks have an international fee and those add up! |
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 |
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| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 1, beginner |
| 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 friends and have them teach you basics. start off with the alphabet, some sayings and watch tv shows in the language. then, go from there |
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?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 10+ |
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? | I wish I would've studied the language more |
