Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye-opening, Overwhelming, Pleasant July 25, 2025

By (International & Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/23/2025 to 06/23/2025 with

CIEE: Semester in Seoul

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of knowledge on what it is like to navigate a new country entirely on your own without depending on others. It was my first time leaving the country, and I felt lost at first, exploring a new land I could only fantasize about before going. I didn't know how I would survive, especially with knowing very little of the language, but I soon was able to overcome these hurdles and figure out what I wanted the experience to mean to me. I learned a lot about myself and how I act when no one is around, and also how I can keep myself in check of my academics.

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 felt that the academics at Yonsei University were very strong and required me to think more about politics and international studies from a global lens. This was different than my home university which, in comparison, has a very Western lens on politics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CIEE was good in assisting our transition early on, but I felt communication with them died down as the program went on. I did not find them reaching out often with any check-ins or events to see how the program was going, I also ran into issues with navigating the Alien Registration Card process in Korea because they failed to provide all the needed documents before the deadline.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in Mangrove Dongdaemun and it was gorgeous-- there was a lot to do in the area and I loved staying in a single by myself with a lot of people in my program in the building as well.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had a lot of time to explore local restaurants and cuisines, which I really appreciated. Also, some of my classes were a mix of foreign students and local students, which made it easy to talk to people and meet local 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

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)

I splurged a lot on nicer meals or items that I really wanted, but if you wanted to just spend based on a student budget, it is totally doable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N.A

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

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? Level 1 Korean
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? Just expose yourself to all of the resources available-- meet locals, go to language exchange, study real-life rather than just textbook.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The food
  • Accessibility of public transport
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Program's preparedness in organizing documents, events, etc.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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.