Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad at KAIST was one of the most valuable experiences I have had. January 15, 2025

By (Physics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/30/2024 to 12/20/2024 with

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST): Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Through my very worthwhile experience studying abroad at KAIST, I gained the independence I would not have found back home in Boston. Being on my own in a foreign country allowed me to find my way through matters that my livelihood depended on, such as getting around via public transportation and opening a Korean bank account. Studying abroad also introduced me to people I built meaningful friendships with who made my time at KAIST memorable and enjoyable.

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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $45
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy meals on campus rather than ordering in!

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? Beginner
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? KOR 102, Beginning Korean 2 at Wellesley
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? In every situation that allows you to use Korean, use it.

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
  • People
  • Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Dormitory fees
  • Information about health insurance
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Some of the courses I took abroad at KAIST had a very different structure and teaching style than what I was used to at Wellesley. There was much more of an emphasis on lectures and less of an opportunity for students to practice and apply the material learned, especially in STEM courses. This worried me very much while abroad, and it impacted my confidence that I would succeed in the course. I wish I knew that even though these differences were present, the expectations from professors of students' performance were also not the same, so often the thresholds for passing courses were much lower in Korean universities than in American ones.

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 Urbanite
A 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.