Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Adventure Outside of my Circle of Comfort. Past Review

By (Business Management, The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/21/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

ISA Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to take advantage of every opportunity available to try something new (zip-lining and hiking included!)

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors of Korea University expect a lot of their students. Stay diligent in your studies, attend all classes, and you will do well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I was not on a food plan. However, there are many affordable restaurants around and on campus.

* 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

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? $50 - $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a DAILY budget for yourself before traveling abroad (many people who made weekly budgets found themselves quickly going over it). Spend a day traveling around your neighborhood to see cheap places to eat and shop.

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? 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? N/A
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? Find natives (who want to practice their English) to do a language exchange with. Ask them out for coffee or to eat at a quiet restaurant where you both can practice the language of your choice. Try to travel alone in your host country (only to safe locations of course), or with other foreigners not well versed in the language. This will force you to use any of the language you have learned as well as encourage you not to rely on others who are more advanced in the language. Practice with cab drivers--many enjoy having conversations with foreigners in their own language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Program directors were quick to respond to inquiries.
* What could be improved?
  • Discuss ways of transportation from the dorm to the airport.
  • Do bridging program in both Busan and Seoul.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Cafes are the perfect spot to study while also meeting new people. Take advantage of them.

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 Urbanite
A 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.