Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Korean, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 03/04/2013 to 06/14/2013 with

Hanyang University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have definitly matured more. Plus, the knowledge I gained about Korea and my improvement in the Korean language, was something I believe I could have only recieved in Korea.

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.

I took the 10 week Intensive Korean course, which was very challenging. You are in class 4 hours everyday.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration staff was very helpful and spole good English.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I personally have nothing to complain about the housing, considering it was FREE for North American students. Although I got along with my roommate very well, it would have been nice to know whom I was rooming with before my arrival.

* Food:

Food is very CHEAP. I rarely ate in the cafeteria on campus because it was not to my liking but, it was cheap. However, there is a variety of food resturants, that are cheap and good in Wangsimni (area surrounding Hanyang).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Getting integrated into Korean culture and making Korean friends was slightly challenging. Especially since, based on my experience, the Korean students seemed to be a little shy in approaching you and talking to you. However, away around, that is to give them time, be friendly and outgoing, and join a club. Joining a club is the quickest way to make Korean friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any major health problems outside of a normal cold but, Hanyang has a hospital on campus.

* Safety:

Ok Korea is safe but like any other major city it has crime too. I personally never felt unsafe but for a word of wisdom that I always use when I go abroad or am in a new city, use the same precaution that you use at home, if not more.

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? For food and transportation I spent about $150.00 each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? A good thing to do is make a monthly budget, which I did and it helped me stay on track.

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

As stated previously I took the Intensive Korean course and I had to use Korean everyday in class. Especially since my main teacher did not speak English, so I had all the encouragement I needed.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? KOR412K
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? It's pretty simple, the best way to practice Korean is actually speak Korean. I know it seems like an obvious answer but there were times that I slipped up once I founded out someone knew English I would automatically switch to English.Especially if I am trying to explain something. Then I would catch myself and try to switch back to Korean. So speak Korean as much as you can and whomever to: teachers, employees, friends, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Nightlife
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Better programs where Korean and International students can interact
  • welcoming program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To bring less winter clothes. I brought more winter clothes than I needed, so when it got summer time I needed to buy summer clothes.

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!