Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I highly recommend this program, it was great. Past Review

By (University of South Florida) - abroad from 06/21/2016 to 07/21/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a cultural experience. I learned a lot about Korea in the Modern Korean history class that I took. I gained lots of great memories, and friendships. I learned that traveling is always worthwhile.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All of the teachers were passionate about the subject they were teaching.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had a lot of questions before arriving at Ewha, all of my questions were answered in a timely fashion. The program coordinator is very friendly and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were in dormitories, but you can make arrangements to stay off campus. The dorms are kept up very well and just a short walking distance from where classes were held. The campus is very beautiful and inviting. The campus is in a great area of Seoul. There are a few subway stations near the university, including one named after the university, so it was easy to get around

* Food:

There are restaurants to eat in on campus, and well as many restaurants in the area just outside of the university. All the prices were incredibly reasonable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At Ewha there is a buddy system that links the incoming international students with an Ewha student as your cultural guide and buddy. I thought this was a great idea. I became close friends with my buddy; we went to popular tourist spots as well as local events.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare system in South Korea is a LOT more efficient than in the U.S. I went to the student clinic for a really bad cold/flu, I saw a doctor in about 5 minutes, and got two days worth of medicine for the equivalent of $6.08 USD.

* Safety:

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

The program is really well run. I had a great time, and met amazing people. It was definitely worth it.

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? $30-$50 it depends on your appetite and food preferences.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Put away a little money each month, even $10 a month goes a long way. Shop around, always check to see if you can get a cheaper price for something you need to buy.

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? None
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? There are a lot of free resources on the internet, use them. I stayed in a hotel for two days before the program started. Being able to form simple sentences and understand a few words helped me to find my hotel when I was lost.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The administration
  • The location
  • The fellow students
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I could use my student ID card as a transportation card. I bought one ahead of time that I never used.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!