Best $5,495 I Spent Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My experience with the courses over all are very positive (especially in my Korean class! The teachers were awesome!!!). The school does a good job making sure foreign students are comfortable with the school as well as in Seoul. Textbooks do not cost too much and there is a decent course variety for it being a summer program. Courses are rigorous but rewarding.

On-site administration of your program

Administration was very friendly and helpful! I felt like I could go to them if I ever had a problem with my classes. The teachers' assistants are awesome in their own right. They're all willing to help and assist in making sure you get the most out of your education. Overall, the most positive experience I have had with administration.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were okay. I lived in Frontier House. There were times where me and my roommate really needed space apart but achieving that was almost impossible in our shoe-box dorm. It also seemed strange to me how the security guard in an international dorm could speak no English. He was nice and when the RAs were there it was no problem. There were a few occasions my roommate had some noise complaints late at night. She could speak Korean but the guard could not understand her.

If there is any major issue to be had with this program, it is setting up a meal plan. I could not figure out how to set one up. But in the end I don't think it mattered that much. There is so much tasty food in Seoul getting food shouldn't be a problem. (If you come to this program, there's a Chicken Bus close to the dorm I highly recommend it.) My rating is based on food in the surrounding area.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A lot of my social/cultural integration came from International Studies Abroad and KU. Through ISA I saw KBS Music Bank, went to Gyeongbokgung Palace, and had several movie nights. Through KU, I went to Lotte World, saw the KU cheerleaders perform (and danced with them!) had a Korean calligraphy class, had a kpop dance class, and was lucky enough to see a rehearsal for MBC Music Core. They offered more activities such as going to a baseball game and going to see a Nantama show, but seats filled up fast. Considering there were almost 2,000 students it felt a little unfair one person could go to every event yet another wouldn't have the ability to do so. KU also has buddy groups! I would have loved to join my buddies, but they seemed pretty standard in activities they wanted to do (either clubbing or going out to 20,000 won buffets I could not afford). I wish there was a little more variety as to what we would do (I would have loved to go to noraebang with them), but overall they are very friendly and kind and helped me and my friend get musical tickets. As far as personal excursions go, I saw Hamlet and Mati Hari, went to the Trick-Eye Museum, hours upon hours of going to the noraebang, and visiting different parts of Seoul. My one regret is not making a friend so I can consistently practice my Korean at home.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was never personally sick, but KU has their own international health center. My friend had to get antibiotics when abroad and she had an overall positive experience. I recommend bringing a bottle of ibuprofen to this program. Going to a pharmacy abroad (especially when you don't know the language) is always hard. However, with my personal experience you eat healthier and exercise a lot more in Seoul. My flat feet were actually starting to feel better while I was there.

I feel safer in Seoul than in my own home country. There were a few times when I would drop something or fall down and the locals would tell me I dropped something or help me back up. Of course, my experiences come from a white woman's perspective. I know some of my black friend abroad had issues with strangers touching their hair (especially if it was in dreads), but most of those people were older (50+ years old) men.

This program is absolutely incredible. Every day for the past two or three months I've been home I keep thinking about how bad I miss Seoul. The program is rich in education and culture and I would love to return this summer.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

You could easily get by on $50/week. I had some issues with money but that's because I had a huge "you only come to Korea once" moment. Overall, this program is affordable, but pocket some extra money to enjoy cultural programs like musicals or concerts or museums.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The program did want us to use the language. It was hard though because everyone wanted to speak to me in English. The best way to get around this is find the tucked-away neighborhoods and popular places. Don't be afraid to explore! Go with a friend and have fun! Prior to the program, I knew how to read and write Korean, Since the program and practicing every day I know about 850 words and can form more complex sentences.

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students

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• International Students

• Cultural Activities
• Plenty of Free Time
• Course Variety

• KU Buddy Activity Variety
• Meal Plan Access
• More Spots for Cultural Activities

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