South Korea: Until We Meet Again Past Review
By One semester R (Mass Media, Illinois State University) for
Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts: Ansung - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I feel my time was too short. I will return to South Korea to reunite with the connections I have made there. My internship experience opened my eyes to many opportunities and I plan to pursue them! South Korea is a country that is progressing with great stride and I want to be a part of it. I am a non-traditional student who is determined to experience college life to the fullest, so I stepped out of my comfort zone to visit the beautiful country of South Korea- What an amazing, unforgettable, life changing experience!!!
Review Photos
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. |
From what I understand, our professors were grading us by US standards. But, I do know DIMA's grading system is quite different than ours. They only allow a certain amount of A's etc. The workload was comparable. Sometimes assignments were assigned last minute and and had, what it seemed like, unrealistic deadlines, but we were able to meet them. The professors were well versed in their field and seemed fully qualified for the subjects they were teaching. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff at DIMA was always helpful when we needed something. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
1- Shared dorm room with Korean roommate 2- Sheets, blanket and pillow provided 3- Desk and small armoire 4- Shuttle from dorm to campus 5- Public transportation available to Seoul (aprrox 1 1/1 hours)...Buses stop at specific hour and student must be aware of those times or will be stranded. 6- Kitchen was provided for international students to cook meals. |
| * Food: |
Students don't have a choice of food when eating at dorm or cafeteria. No second servings. Set times to eat. There is a small store at the dorm to by various items to eat- campus has a store as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Independence Hall- wish we had more time there. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
People are very trusting in South Korea. I did not experience and safety concerns, not at any time did I feel unsafe. I did let my guard down, which was probably not smart. So, to future students, even though you do not experience any crime or safety issues, it is important to always stay alert. One student did get sick and was taken to the doctor. She paid out-of-pocket and it was cheap. DIMA took her to the doc immediately. Again, a DIMA rep is always available if needed One student got sick during our visit and DIMA rep immediately took her to the doctor. She paid out-of-pocket and it was relatively cheap. Again, DIMA reps are always there to assist you if needed. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The budget provide seemed in line. But, if students plan to travel on the weekends to the city, they should add $12/wk for transportation. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes 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? | South Korea is not the traditional choice for a study abroad experience, but I guarantee you will never regret it! Its sights, sounds and people are unforgettable. South Koreans are genuine to the core! GO FOR IT!!! |
