Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fun and Informative - Ewha S.Korea Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 02/28/2012 to 06/20/2012 with

ISEP Exchange: Seoul - Exchange Program at Ewha Womans University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a great deal about Korean culture. It was definitely worthwhile, but I might have chosen a different university if only to expand the breadth of students I met and encountered.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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? No

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)

The cost of living was much cheaper when compared to a typical American student budget. I was very pleased.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy from marts off-campus to save money, avoid coffee-shops or places frequently visited by tourists or westerners (except as a treat).

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

Somewhat, but the prevalence of English was somewhat detrimental to full immersion.

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 at Korean
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? Leave campus frequently, and leave Seoul for trips if at all possible. The further you get away from the English-dominated campus environment, the more you will be forced to use and learn the 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
  • 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?
  • Language Courses
  • Local Cuisine
  • Helpful Professors
* What could be improved?
  • Encouraging Language Use
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had had time to spend learning Korean before leaving for Korea. Prior knowledge, even if only at a beginners level, would have been very helpful from the get-go.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!