An Experience of a Lifetime | KU Summer Program Past Review
By Maleny Diaz (University of Texas - El Paso / UTEP) - abroad from 06/25/2017 to 07/28/2017 with
Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus
I entered the program with many self doubts, but as the days passed I begun to realize my own strengths. I believe now that there is nothing in this world that I cannot do if I put my mind to it.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Deciding to study at KU was the best decision I made when choosing a Study Abroad program. The university was welcoming to students and offered every resource to succeed. The coursework was challenging but interesting and full of insight into the Korean culture. Instructors were knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects and dedicated to helping students succeed. The campus was amazing, from the modern interior study rooms to the traditional cafeterias. I felt happy to visit campus whenever I had class. The people were even better. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program would have not been the same if not for all the cultural activities that our program administration put together. Furthermore they worked hard to help us adapt to living in Korea. They were always available for questions and advise. They were dedicated to not only our education but also our experience abroad. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorms were very clean and comfortable, a place to rest after a long day attending lectures and visiting Myeongdong or Hongdae. Located at walking distance from school and the health clinic as well as the Anam subway station, it was the perfect location. It made it easier to explore the beautiful city of Seoul. The dorms also had laundry services and someone on site constantly to answer our questions about the dorm and other aspects of our program or Seoul in general. We also had access to a business center and lounges where we could do homework or socialize with other students in the afternoons. |
| * Food: |
You can find an amazing place to eat in almost every corner of Seoul, but if you are a busy student you don't have to go further than campus to have a delicious traditional meal. KU offered meal plans for the cafeterias on campus. Meals were not only full of options and delicious, they were also very cheap in comparison to meal plans in america. The cafeterias were also very nice, and a nice place to hang out in between classes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Seoul is a very welcoming city. Filled with history and modern architecture, it is the place where the past and the present meet. The people reflect this city. They too have many traditional values and customs that showcase the hospitality and manners of the Korean culture. The younger crowd is friendly and curious of western culture and ready to welcome new people. I spent many days visiting the streets of Seoul, going to Kareoke rooms with friends as well as having shared meals. These were all memories that I will cherish for a long time. Experiences that can only be found in Korea. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was fortunate to have stayed healthy for most of my study abroad trip. Pharmacies are very common, and staff can prescribe medicine after reciting your symptoms. However for more care, we had a clinic readily available near the dorms. |
| * Safety: |
Seoul is such a safe city. One could roam the streets well past midnight without feeling glittery. As a foreign student in a foreign country, you should obviously exercise caution, but many people can be seen on the street at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I dont think there is any program that promotes cultural experience quite like the KU program did. They organized activities for us on the weekends, they set us up in a buddy program with local students, and they pushed us to improve our language skills. I made many friendships with people I would have never met otherwise. It also gave me confidence to explore on my own with confidence. |
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) |
Living in Korea was generally cheap. Food and public transportation were very accessible. Buying common goods was also cheap, however clothes and personal care was more expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Apply to every scholarship you can and talk to your home institution about any scholarships they offer. KU offers some scholarships as well. Once in Seoul, visit small restaurants and don't be afraid to try street food. |
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 |
We were encouraged to take korean lessons and to interact with our fellow KU students who were residents in Korea. |
| 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? | Beginner |
| 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? | Use the language as much as possible. It will be intimidating at first and people will try to be accommodating to you and speak in English but you should try to get out of your comfort. You will notice your improvement soon. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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? | I wish I had known how amazing this experience would be. I was very afraid to embark in this journey, but this was all for naught. If anyone out there is still debating on enrolling I have three words of advise for you. DO IT NOW! |
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. |
