South Korea: My Crazy Adventures Past Review
By Cati B (Communication, Western Carolina University) for
Hannam University: Daejeon - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes. I miss the food and friends most. I would love to go back if I had the money or time.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers expected me to study too much, but the teaching method was phenomenal. I only listened to Korean on most days, but it taught me so quickly that I was amazed. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were there when you needed them most, but only if you contacted the main director of the department. Due to cultural differences, I'm not so sure of this though. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
I would suggest almost anything to anyone. I spent most of my time with a Muslim that could only eat seafood. That was difficult, but we made it work. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved having our sports festival. I've seen it in anime, but it was even better being able to bond with classmates through funny sports. I won arm wrestling. It was fun! |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
I was sick almost my full duration in South Korea, but my friends are the ones who helped me most. The office helped me once because I wasn't getting any better. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would say that everyone should create budgets and follow them. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people could speak English, but the classes were completely in Korean. Hardly any English. That was difficult yet fun. |
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? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I don't think anyone can prepare you for what's in store. Just be ready for anything. |