Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Study Abroad Experience in Korea Past Review

By (Asian Studies/Civilization., University of the Pacific) - abroad from 02/29/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

ISEP Exchange: Daegu - Exchange Program at Keimyung University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Korean culture and how to accept cultural differences which may seem different or even offensive to what I am used to.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$100

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Professors were excellent; kind, charismatic, knowledgable in their field
  • School had cultural learning opportunities (international lounge, Korean cultural activities, field trips, etc.)
  • I was able to make friends not just from Korea, but from many different parts of the world
* What could be improved?
  • Students should be informed of the nightly 11pm curfew/room checks beforehand
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Korean universities enforce strict dorm rules.