Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Experience of My Life Past Review

By (GateWay Community College) - abroad from 05/25/2016 to 07/01/2016 with

GateWay Community College: Summer in South Korea and Japan: Trade, Culture, Language and Entrepreneurship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a greater appreciation for both the Japanese and Korean culture. It was definitely worth it.

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.

It is an intense program! We are always on the go.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Always amazingly delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I enjoyed the opportunity to be able to visit two different countries and seeing how culture influences business.

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? About $200 - $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be careful how you spend. It's a few weeks, so you don't want to spend all your money the first week.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? JPN 202
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The language is difficult to learn, so you need a lot of practice.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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 ability to utilize my language skills.
  • The immersion in culture.
  • Meeting new friends.
* What could be improved?
  • The program feels short.
  • A lesson on Korean culture.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to speak Korean.

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!