Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Time of Our Life (song by day6) January 25, 2026

By (Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/25/2025 to 12/22/2025 with

CIEE: Seoul - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that your time and life are all up to you. No matter where you are and what resources you have, there is always a choice to make the most out of them. Not holding a job there, I had so much free time, but also not much.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Brandeis was more rigorous. I had a business professor who was discriminatory and very unsupportive.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great job being responsive.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living off campus.

* Food:

SO CHEAP. Delicious.

* 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

I loved everything aboutit.

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? 350
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? apply to as many scholarships as you can. It's hard but start budgeting or track spending after you splurge the first 2-3 weeks to be aware of your behaviors.

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? 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? Korean one
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Affordability of korea
  • free program trips
  • having people to ask
* What could be improved?
  • CIEE should match their class withdrawl policy to Yonsei's. It was very misleading
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack less things haha

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.