An international, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Past Review
By Emilee G (PSYCHOLOGY., Illinois State University) - abroad from 07/07/2013 to 08/03/2013 with
Konkuk University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned about the similarities and differences between a Westernized Asian country. Many things about Korea were the same in the United States, however, a GREAT deal were different as well. The program opened my eyes to Korean culture and what it's like to live in an Asian country.
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 classes were fairly challenging and required you to attend, but they were not rigorous and did not force you to study insane amounts. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Some of the best food I've EVER had. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was difficult because I didn't speak or read any Korean, so it could be difficult from day to day. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
VERY safe. Korea is also clean, and I never felt threatened, even late at night walking by myself. |
| 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) |
Food and clothing are extremely cheap over there. Oftentimes, $5 could pay for lunch or dinner. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 -- only because I went shopping often. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at local restaurants and in big groups! They will let you split the check but still give you plenty of food, so you feel like you pay less. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | None |
| 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? | Just go out and about -- most Koreans speak Korean, even though Seoul is more touristy. By eating out or just walking around, you will encounter the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I should have done a little more background knowledge on Korea--learned key words, general cultural tips and how to be polite, etc. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
