S. Korea was an amazing experience that taught me about my culture and heritage Past Review
By Jessica K (Sociology., University of California - Riverside) for
ISA Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea
I gained my own Independence from studying abroad. Although I lived away from my home university I was always close enough to go home and to be able to drive home and back on the same day. Being abroad taught me how to budget and also prioritize my time wisely. Also to be open to trying new things and learning new things. Being a Korean American I already knew some historic facts and some cultural things, but I learned a lot more living in the country my parents are from. Traveling abroad has definitely given me the idea to live abroad maybe even teach english! I would love to experience a new country and learn new things. It definitely has given me the wanting to travel everywhere!
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. |
The education system in Korea is a lot different from America. Its more of a read and memorize the facts rather then discussing and talking about your opinion on a subject. Other than that I love the relationships that the professors have with their students! They are very personable and its not uncommon to have lunch with a professor, the inimate setting is a definite plus. A lot of the domestic students at the University are shy, but when they get comfortable they are extremely helpful. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had no problems. Everyone was helpful and considerate and very supportive! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It depends on the person, but I did not mind the dorms at all. CJ I-House was very clean and the staff was wonderful. They made my whole trip go smoothly. There are a lot of housing options around the University as well! The dorms do have some strict rules that a lot of people don't like how the floors are not co-ed and how the elevators are separate by gender. The neighborhood around the University is very safe. Theres barely any crime and its okay to walk around at 3am! |
| * Food: |
Koreans have a well balanced food diet. They have vegetarian dishes as well as their meat dishes! MMM. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced Korean everywhere I went. Just hearing the language constantly helps you pronunciate and practice better. In Seoul one could get around with English and a little bit of Korean, but other provinces its hard to get around with a minimal amount of Korean. Being in a University setting a lot of people do speak English, but its not uncommon to hear other languages its very mixed. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I definitely recommend someone who is open-minded and isn't afraid to step out of their bubble to come to Korea! Korea is such a beautiful country and everyone should have a chance to experience the cultures and learn about its history. Traveling around Korea isn't too complicated, their transportation system is so conveinent and great! The price of living isn't expensive and the food is cheap and delicious! |
