Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Left My Heart In Seoul Past Review

By (Broadcast Journalism., Illinois State University) for

Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts: Ansung - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It really helps to see that there are other worlds and cultures out there very different from ours. It also gave me the a bit of the travel bug...and I know want to see and experience everything the world has to offer. The whole program changed me for the better!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very manageable, and for the most part the teachers and staff were very helpful. I would however say that this program is much more than what you experience in the classroom. For me, the educational experience was felt more in the culture and the experience of living across the world. The friends I made, the places I went, the life in Korea has easily been the best 4 months of my life. It changed the way I look at the world, and made me want to see and experience more and more of it. I cannot wait to go back and visit.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We first met Min, who was with DIMA, when he picked us up from the airport. Min was extremely helpful the whole time we were there and always got us where we needed to be and answered any questions we had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a Korean roommate at DIMA. She was great. Very helpful, very nice,and spoke great english. Yes, we did have to buy things once we were there. I brought towels and sheets, etc with me...but if I had not, I would of had to buy them.

* Food:

THe school cafeteria is NOT good at DIMA. I loved Korean food, but the cafeteria had a poor representation of what Korean food should taste like. We rarely ate in the cafeteria. Luckily, the school provided a kitchen for the exchange students, so we could go to the grocery store and buy things we liked.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Seoul and Busan are 2 of the greatest cities i have ever visited. The buhdist temple, the lantern show, the film festival, the DMZ...all of it amazing. Best 4 months of my life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Korea is very safe. The whole time I was there I never felt in danger. I would walk around Seoul by myself and there was really no place I could have wondered into that wouldn't be safe. I got sick one time while I was there (strep throat) and all I had to do was contact Min, who was our guide, and he took me to the doctor and in 10 min. and $8 later, I was diagnosed and given medicine...couldnt have been any easier!

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

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? around $100-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? be prepared to spend money on food, transportation, and toilet paper!

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?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The friends I made.
  • The culture of Korea
  • The places we went and the events we attended
* What could be improved?
  • The preparation to be faced with the Asian culture
  • Detailed pictures of the school, dorms, etc. before leaving
  • The meal plan at the school!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are wanting to travel and see the world, Korea is a great place to add to your list of destinations. To live in an Asian country gives you an amazing look into a very strong and rich culture. When you return home, you are guranteed to feel a special bond to anything Korean!