Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best experience of my life! Past Review

By (Communications, University of Hawaii - Hilo) - abroad from 06/28/2012 to 07/27/2012 with

Hanyang University: Seoul - International Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The biggest and most important thing I gained from this experience was confidence. This was my first time abroad and it was totally worth while.

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.

I loved all 3 of my classes. I took a media class, beginning korean language and taekwondo. There was a good amount of class and a good amount of fun time. :)

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Beautiful room with a nice roommate. The view from my window wasn't that great but you are not meant to be staying in your dorm room the whole time. In all I was very happy with my dorm room.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a hospital on campus.

* Safety:

I always felt pretty safe but remember to be careful and take care of your friends.

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)

Very easily.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-120 USD$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a budget sheet before you leave home. Have fun but spend your money wisely.

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

I loved being in the beginning Korean language class because I was able to use what I learned outside the class room.

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
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? Go out and meet Korean people.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved being able to meet new friends.
  • I loved learning korean language.
  • I loved all the field trips.
* What could be improved?
  • I would make this program longer because 4 weeks is too short.
  • Find more universities to exchange with.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I didn't have to be scared about leaving home to go to a foreign country for the first time. This program has honestly changed my life for the better. :)