The best eye opening experience of my life! Past Review
By Ryann (University of Texas - El Paso / UTEP) - abroad from 06/24/2017 to 07/21/2017 with
Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus
I learned that even with the many cultural differences we're all just people trying to make the best of their lives. Honestly, to experience the cultures is just amazing and it's really important in today's society. It was definitely worthwhile. I got to see life in Seoul and Busan which is the same yet different at the same time.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The media class I took was extremely challenging. I took my class with Ji-Hoon Park and his exams were so hard at least for me. BUT I learned so much in his class and I teach my friends at UTEP all about the history of recording in Korea and how much struggle the city went through. My Korean class was amazing :) My professor was so adorable and she taught us so much. I did so horrid on my placement exam, but all was well and I got placed with the 2 other girls from my home university so it was fun to take the class and do the homework with them. All in all it was a wonderful experience and I'd do it all over again if I could. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host administration was wonderful, though I feel like the buddy system failed a bit. I couldn't get ahold of my buddy to help me to often, but over all it was fun. I got lost and figured it out on my own. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was actually really surprised how big the dorm was. It was so roomy. I loved it and got to really love my roommate even though she came in 2 weeks before I left. |
| * Food: |
Okay food. There was so much food down the main road in Anam. My friends and I tried almost everything including nuclear ramen that made us cry. I loved every part of the food and it was so amazingly priced. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Even though for the first week I struggled, I eventually figured it out. I actually really loved merging into the culture. I had already known the customs when coming into the country, but it was so interesting to see it first hand since I come from an area where the cultural custom is of Mexican/Hispanic origin. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no issues with health minus an upset stomach. I got some green tea from the pharmacy and it was all good. |
| * Safety: |
In anam at least I felt it was very safe. My friends and I would go to the norebang till 2 a.m. and walk back to the dorms in the rain and we never felt any danger. The only time we really felt unsafe was in Dongdaemun but we got lost int he underground shopping area and it was all closed. We ended up having to walk about a mile back to the train station. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
When first deciding to study abroad, I was scared. I'd seen many different reviews about South Korea, but it'd always been a dream of mine to go and see. Finally I managed to summon enough courage to go. It was the best experience of my life. In fact it wasn't enough I want, no, NEED more! I plan on pursuing my career out there no matter how hard it may be. I truly loved the KUISC 2017 program. I've made great friends within the program and great friends in Busan. Honestly, I couldn't be more happy with my decision. It was life changing, eye opening, and it really gives me a new appreciation. In other words I got to walk in someone elses' shoes and experience their daily life. In 2 years I will return with my friends and hopefully get to meet up with those I met in Korea. So thank you KUISC, for allowing me to step into another world. See you soon! |
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) |
It was a little pricy but do-able. Honestly for the price it was well worth it. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Each week I spent about 150-200 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I suggest planning your day out including what you think expenses will be. It's not just food but T-money cards and little things here and there you'll pick up. |
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 |
All of our program managers spoke Korean and were more than willing to speak in Korean with us. I loved it so much and honestly I miss all of our program managers. |
| 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? | We don't have a language course at UTEP for Korean so for me it was Beginner-Intermediate self taught. |
| 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? | Honestly, the best way for you to learn the language is to expose yourself. Get out there and even if you make mistakes, the individuals are understanding and helpful. Don't be scared to speak the language. Everyone started somewhere. |
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 that I'd known that I would love it so much. I really struggled with the nerves of being ab bigger woman in a culture where beauty is a big standard. I'd also with that I'd known a little more Korean. With the Korean I knew it was enough to get by, but there was an issue with conversing with locals. |
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. |
