Absolutely loved Yonsei and Seoul! THE BEST SUMMER PROGRAM! Past Review
By Gayle T (English Literature, University of Pittsburgh - Greensburg) for
CIEE: Seoul - Summer Korean Studies
Absolutely! I learned so much about Korea and other nationalities (being mixed with a large international crowd). It has opened my awareness and I honestly would love to go back to Korea one day!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My Korean Cinema class was taught by an American and so the experience was the same. My language class was what could be expected of a six-week 3 hour course. I was very pleased with both but I didn't notice any differences between my home university and Yonsei. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I absolutely loved the CIEE staff! They made the experience safe and fun. They were very easy to access and were very kind. All my expectations were met and this program has no weaknesses. We were exposed to many important elements of Korean culture and I hope to go back one day! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Everything was safe and clean! There was a bus stop very close by and Sinchon was a short walk! Everything I needed was so close, if not on campus. |
| * Food: |
I would recommend to dine off campus because it's much cheaper and the food is better! Go experience real Korean cuisine! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Yonsei and CIEE had so many trips like going to Jeon-ju, the DMZ, SBS recordings, Everland (and so much more than what I listed)- I felt like I have had a very full experience in just a short time! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Yonsei is located in a safe area BUT do remember you are staying in one of the largest cities in the world! Don't travel alone, especially if you are Caucasian. You'll be an easy tourist target at night! Health care is very accessible. There are so many pharmacies nearby! There were no health issues in Seoul but there are recommended shots to get before you go so check with your university for what you need. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | All I can say is keep an open mind and try everything! Be very friendly and positive. This experience is what you make it. :) It is very rewarding and I hope that you go someday too! |
