Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I dislike the term expat August 17, 2022

By (Communication, Berea College) - abroad from 02/21/2022 to 06/23/2022 with

Keimyung University: Daegu - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new non-US centric way to look at the world. So much of my personal experience and media exposure has been from a US perspective. Going abroad for such a substantial amount of time (relatively) helped me to realize the variety of most people's experiences. It was incredibly worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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

I loved living in Korea. I felt that the Keimyung program provided enough support that I felt I had access to resources if needed, but not so much structure I couldn't explore my own interests.

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)

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • the food
  • the school run events
  • opportunity for independent travel
* What could be improved?
  • support from the international office at kiemyung
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had understood how much of a difference a language barrier can be and had worked harder to learn Korean before going.