Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

What I came for! Past Review

By (University of Chicago) - abroad from 06/20/2016 to 07/20/2016 with

Ewha Womans University: Seoul - International Co-ed Summer College

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, definitely. I learned a lot.

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.

I was enrolled in Basic Korean (never spoke the language before). Overall I was happy with the pace and content of the course, although the amount of homework increased sharply near the end of the program (so do a lot of what you want during your first two weeks!) If I was to change anything, I think I would've preferred more of a focus on immersion and learning really practical knowledge that my classmates and I could use in Korea.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful, responded quickly to my emails! When I had a problem with my SIM card they helped me take care of it immediately.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I would've liked a cheaper on campus cafeteria option! The food hall was about as much as the restaurants outside of the campus and the food was probably worse. Not a big deal though since there are so many great and cheap restaurants near campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is somewhat inevitable since I didn't speak Korean (not necesarilly a fault of the program!) I appreciated that we had a peace buddy who showed us around, but I was also sad that I feel like I only got to know one korean citizen during my time in Korea.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

not really applicable to my experience

* Safety:

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

I thought Ewha conducted their program very well. I especially appreciated the field trips they took us on every week.

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)

I think a cheaper dining option (besides convenience stores) would have helped!

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? GO TO EXPRESS BUS TERMINAL IF YOU WANT TO BUY CLOTHES. Make a budget, know how much you want to spend on shopping before you go out to buy things! I also found taking the first week to just absorb all the different shops around me helpful when making informed buying decisions later.

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? 1
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Weekly field trips!
  • Variety of courses to take -- including fun ones!
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Class timing -- all Korean language classes ended at 5 PM ,which was a bit late.
  • Some aspects of Korean Language instruction (more of an emphasis on practical knowledge, perhaps)
  • More interaction with Korean Ewha students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? 1. Make a budget at the beginning 2. The Korean homework will increase in the last 1-2 weeks so you'll have less time to go out and explore new places! 3. The cheapest place to buy clothes is Express Bus Terminal. 4. There's an amazing Bingsu place called Mealtop in the top floor of Hyundai Dept Store in nearby Sinchon

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.