Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

재미있어요 July 09, 2026

By (Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/22/2026 to 06/22/2026 with

CIEE: Seoul - Arts + Sciences (Yonsei University)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Gained new friendships/connections, improved my Korean, furthered my studies towards my majors, experienced a new culture, etc. Definitely worthwhile.

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.

* 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?

* Safety:

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

While there were ups and downs in the application process, CIEE did set me up properly to meet people and integrate comfortably. Yonsei was an amazing location, the classes were great, people were amazing, overall great experience.

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? $70-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food is very affordable, but no meal plan is offered via this program, so give yourself enough to enjoy the city

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? Intermediate
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? Level 3 (3 semesters)
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? Take a Korean language course to better integrate. Try KLI courses to push yourself, if too much of a commitment, at least take a beginner course

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • People
  • Location
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Application Process
  • Orientation
  • Move In
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are a lot of different customs as a more reserved and conservative country, so be prepared.

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.