A Seoulful Journey Past Review
By Niki B (Graphic Design., Rosemont College) - abroad from 08/14/2012 to 12/18/2012 with
ISA Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned so much about myself I didn't know before and also gained many more things as a result as well. For example, I became more responsible and mature. I've learned not to be as rash and also to never give up and anything is possible when you put your mind to it!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
When it comes to the Language educational experience I would say it was pretty good considering it was complete immersion and the professor didn't really speak to us in English at all. In my courses they spoke just Korean, even for the explanations and questions. Despite this I found it to be good. However, for my business course, I was placed into a course that required 3 prerequisites that I have never taken before making it extremely difficult to keep my grades up whilst there. If it wasn't for this unfortunate incident I would rate higher. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
During the first week of orientation I must say that it was a fantastic week. Our group was able to experience many opportunities I would have never otherwise thought about if it wasn't for the program. Some of these include visiting an orphanage and visiting a grade school and learning martial arts from the children there. For those experiences I am grateful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very satisfied with the living arrangements. It kept me warm in the winter and cool in the hot summer. It wasn't too small nor too big. Very cozy. |
| * Food: |
Even though it was difficult for me to find food due to allergies, from what I did have it was great. :D |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt that I could have learned a lot more but from what I did learn it was great and enriching. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Personally, I found it difficult regarding the healthcare. The process confused me and the hospital did not know what to do with me in regards to my medical conditions. Perhaps if I would have went to a different hospital it would have been better, but the one I went to wasn't too great. |
| * Safety: |
For safety, I felt entirely safe while in Korea. I felt no fear and was completely comfortable traveling around. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I admit I have never really had to manage my own budget before, but thanks to this experience I have learned how to do so. While there it was difficult but I learned my lesson. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about $100-150 per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Yes!! Make sure you start saving months and months ahead of time and have a sufficient amount of money in your account to cushion you just in case of emergency. Be Prepared!! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
During the small Korean lessons we did receive, we were definitely encouraged to go out and practice among the native people. |
| 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? | If possible, teach yourself as much as you can. Be it via online or books or cds, do what you can prior to departure. You could also listen to that country's music and watch their television programs as well to help get accustomed to hearing the language spoken. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Budgeting and organization. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
