Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience I won't ever forget June 25, 2023

By (Communication and Media Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/22/2023 to 06/22/2023 with

CIEE: Seoul - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I developed as a human from a very emotional and personal aspect. It has driven the desire to explore more of the world outside of America and meet different communities of people. It has challenged some habits that I have been trying to improve as well as built independency, resiliency, and determination within me. But most importantly, this was my first time traveling alone, across the world with no family and friends; which left me a bit nervous and scared of the journey ahead of me. But by embracing those fears and worries while also looking forward to new beginnings, I was able to have one of the best experiences of life studying abroad in South Korea. So with all that said, yes it was very much worth it and if I could do it all over again, I would.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The option within courses was very interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CIEE was very resourceful in answering questions, securing housing, and providing exclusive events to students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

This program provides a wide variety of support; the list is so long that I cannot even explain. But pretty much anything a student could possible need is provided by CIEE Seoul staff team. There were many students outside of CIEE program who felt at a disadvantage seeing that CIEE helps secure housing and hosts exclusive events for its students; events allowing students to meet Korean students, learn about Korean history/culture/language, engage in Korean arts and crafts, attend K-pop related stuff and soo much more.

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)

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

Korean Language Partner service provided

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? Korean Level 1
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? Speak Korean even if you feel embarrassed or nervous.

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

  • 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?
  • Resource and Help provided
  • Events, Volunteer, and Internship opportunities
  • Fields trips outside of Seoul
* What could be improved?
  • Opportunity for staff to connect with students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't think there was anything drastic that could have impacted my experience if I had known something prior. But since I was a resident of Woojungwon, I wish the program thoroughly explained the difference between living in SK Global house and Woojungwon. Both are great options but they are drastically different and I felt that wasn't communicated/captured well on paper.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.