It was incredible and I would love to do it again. Past Review

By (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) - abroad from 06/27/2017 to 08/05/2017 with

Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to thrive in a foreign country and gained the ability to use my resources when things may not be easy. Especially since there was a language barrier, I think it was really important to get accustomed quickly in order to communicate with locals.

Review Photos

Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus Photo Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus Photo Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus Photo Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course did a good job at combining school work and getting to know the city. Our class was even fortunate enough to take an additional field trip to see parts of Seoul we might not have considered visiting on our own.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The course was well planned and more than the material, I was most interested but the diversity of different opinions that were brought to light through the class. I enjoyed hearing how other countries has tackled the issue of sustainability and what changes our own country could make.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were clean and convenient despite the wall and they were cleaned weekly as well.

* Food:

I would have liked to have a better sense of food and where to eat during the orientation. I noticed it was incredibly difficult for vegetarians to find meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The international campus was separated from the local Clare so the only people we met were the buddies and they mainly kept to themselves outside of preplanned activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The university was incredibly helpful. My roommate tore a ligament and we had to take her to the hospital so the program staff helped us by driving us back and forth from the dorms as well a translating and picking up prescriptions.

* Safety:

There was no safety concern. Even during field trips, the staff was present and keeping an eye on everyone.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The field trips were incredible and gave me the opportunity to do things I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise.

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)

I did spend more than I do back home but that was anticipated. Transportation was a surprising cost and there were no monthly passes available.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably around $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The program offers good scholarships and the cost per credit was the same as my home university.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Field trips
  • Incredible and helpful staff
  • The variety of backgrounds
* What could be improved?
  • More slots for field trips
  • Emails sent out during class hours led to some people not even getting the opportunity to apply for certain events.
  • More buddy interactions/ smaller groups.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would be so much fun and there would be so many activities that sometimes solo exploration became difficult. And the lack of local immersion. It would have been helpful to get to know local students so that they could help us and show us around.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.