Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Summer I'll Never Forget Past Review

By (CUNY - Queens College) - abroad from 06/23/2018 to 08/04/2018 with

Korea University: Seoul - International Summer Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was well worthwhile, I was able to learn more about the culture of Korea and as well as the Korean language. I feel the most important thing I learned was that I shouldn't hold back on anything and because of that, I have become more confident in myself than I ever was before.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors are one of the best professors I ever had.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had so much storage in my dorm room, it was very spacious for a two-person room.

* Food:

The quality of the food was very good and it was cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of the students from KU were very friendly and made me feel welcomed.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did get a small cough while I was there, thankfully the campus was right next to a pharmacy where I was able to get the medicine I needed. It was a really easy process for me too.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Korea, I was able to go out at night and not have to be on high alert for anything, I felt very safe when I was there.

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

It was one of the happiest times of my life, I would do it all over again because I gained so many precious memories and relationships that I never want to forget.

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 believe you could have spent a lot less on food but I went out all the time for 3 meals a day and bought a lot of clothes while there.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food from a supermarket so you can save money since the dorms have fully equipped kitchens.

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

Not many people spoke English so it encouraged me to use the language more.

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 Korean 1
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? Take a class before going to the country and learn the alphabet and how to read the language.

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The Campus
  • The Professors
  • The Students
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I do know more Korean now than I did when I was in Korea, I wish the level of Korean I am at now was the level I was at when I was in Korea.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!