Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Harder and Save More! Past Review

By (Asian Studies and Business, Berea College) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 12/22/2015 with

Keimyung University: Daegu - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that my adaptability skills are very good. I can easily adjust to a culture and learn the common phrases that used for mealtimes, entering and exiting rooms, introducing myself to others, and more. Unfortunately, removing myself from the new cultural nuances was a problem. I absolutely enjoyed it and it motivates me to continue forward with my dream of being an interpreter.

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.

I wish the Korean Language Program was more daily or more intensive

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

If we had any questions, we were urged to ask the international office.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in the oldest dormitory.

* Food:

Meals in the cafeterias close to campus were simply to die for!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The school did a lot of local excursions, but I also did a lot of individual travel and went into to traditional restaurants so I felt like I was experiencing a foreign country and not America Pt. 2.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The school helped me locate an orthodontist and when I had issues with my glasses, the school not only fixed them for free, but also gave me a discount on lenses.

* Safety:

Very safe! Taxi drivers were the only fear.

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)

Meals were very cheap everywhere

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30-49
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much money as possible. You'll want to buy a lot of souvenirs for friends and family, try many different meals, go multiple places, and more. It's always best to bring a lot more money than you will need.

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

We used it inside the classroom for language courses, but other than that we weren't made to use Korean on campus.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none. only self taught
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 a study partner, or try to become friends with as many locals as possible so that you can improve your language skills. The more people you can practice the language with, the better.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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
  • 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?
  • Food
  • Different Activities
  • Feeling as If I'm Apart of the Student Body
* What could be improved?
  • More Language Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more of the language so it would have been easier for me to navigate the country when I traveled alone. And I wish I would have known that Korean classes weren't everyday

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!