Dream come true, yet I am hungry for more! Past Review
By Natalie C (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., New Mexico State University) - abroad from 03/05/2012 to 06/22/2012 with
Korea University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned that people are so different, in fact I had a harder time with the Americans than the locals. I had so much fun though!
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. |
I had the greatest time in South Korea! I want more than anything to go back! I loved all the culture and language that I was exposed to, and I met the most wonderful people. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The cafeteria food was cafeteria food, but I was grateful to have those two meals a day. I really miss my daily coffee milk! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
There were several field trips that required a few extra expenses. My daily lifestyle changed drastically, as I didn't want to miss anything. I was not prepared for that kind of lifestyle. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 130 dollars a week, though more or less from week to week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Start saving and apply for scholarships. Make sure you are well enough at home in order to live abroad. Remember, this is time without a job. For me, it was like a huge vacation, so I spent more money than I thought I would. |
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 |
Classes required little to no Korean speaking, even the language coarse. I worked hard on my own to pick up the language. |
| 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? | Beginning |
| 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? | Talk to your friends. Utilize phrases and words that you learn. Do not be afraid to ask questions or for translations. If you show your interest and desire to learn, your friends and the people around you will be more than happy to help. |
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? | 10+ |
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 should have saved more money |
