Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

K-Culture Immersion February 02, 2024

By (Business Administration and Management, Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 08/21/2023 to 12/21/2023 with

CIEE: Seoul - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more independent, expanded my professional viewpoint, and became a better student.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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?

Healthcare was complicated, I got very sick around October and didn't receive much help from CIEE. The places we were referred to weren't actually as foreigner friendly as they thought. I had to go back to the same clinic three times to increase the dosage of medication I was prescribed as it did very little to alleviate my symptoms.

* Safety:

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

I had so much fun! I wish I could have stayed longer. The classes were rigorous but extremely rewarding, I feel like I learned so much and gained a lot of new professional references. I made lifelong friends.

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)

2.5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $60 on food every week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely have some money saved up before you go, because even though food and transportation isn't very expensive, there will be times you want to splurge. Also, there is so much you could buy while you are there.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 3
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? Watch videos, be persistent in your use. Be sure to pronounce words as clearly as possible, it's easy to mix certain terms up.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Meeting new people
  • Trying new foods
  • Immersing myself in Korean culture
* What could be improved?
  • More classes to learn about K-culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Have more money saved up, I wish I could have traveled more.

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.