A Place That Will Never Sleep: Korea Past Review

By (Marketing & Communications, Trinity University) for

Korea University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Having met many Korean people prior to this trip, this experience has helped me better understand those people's native culture and identity. This thus allows me to better relate myself to those people and its cultures abroad. Nevertheless, this hasn't affected my academic interests or plans for the future.

Review Photos

Direct Enrollment: Seoul - Korea University Photo Direct Enrollment: Seoul - Korea University Photo Direct Enrollment: Seoul - Korea University Photo Direct Enrollment: Seoul - Korea University Photo Direct Enrollment: Seoul - Korea University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The educational system Korea University implements is one that is very similar to any summer courses in the U.S. because the institution invites Professors from abroad (outside of Korea) who similarly and generally advocate U.S. educational systems.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

One thing that stuck out to me that needed to be improved on regarding the program's admin is its providing of clearer info on how to get to the dorms, especially on a late night. also, most of its websites are not fully comprehensive in english, which makes it less "International" that it claims itself to be.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in anam dormitory, 4th floor, at the end of Anam street. Roughly 15 walk from campus. This was a big hassle to me and many students there. Especially located in a hilly area that discourages trips to/from the dorm. <br /><br /> The neighborhood is safe. The dorm I lived in was overpriced. It was far from access to the Korean subway system which made it hard for me to plan my logistics. Moreover, the dorm closes at 12am, which in Seoul is when nightlife starts. So highly unrecommended for people that like to stay out late. Moreover, there is no kitchen. The bathrooms are shared and can be dirty depending on the hall resident's behaviors.

* Food:

Korean food is very spicy. It includes alot of pickled foods. It can be difficult to eat as a vegetarian without eating an non-repetitive meals because alot of korean food is about barbeque/charcoal BBQ's. The quality is overall satisfactory. The best way to save money would be eating in groups and eat in student areas or areas near universities because restaurants tend to charge less.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most memorable events and attractions were field trips taken to see the Korean Broadway "Nanta" as well as the Demilitarized Zone, which were both very educational and satisfying.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You will have to buy your own meals in this program. There is no one time cafeteria payment for a meal plan. Therefore, make sure you eat near school districts where restaurants tend to be priced lower than usual. Otherwise, enjoy the comparatively cheap food here, don't go to clubs too much (admission fees and drinks are expensive here), and make sure you check your bank account statements to figure out the most cost-effective way to withdraw cash. credit cards are also accepted in most public places in Seoul.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The type of student that would most benefit from this program would be one who enjoys city nightlife, studying, learning new cultural etiquettes and outgoing.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Finance

Course Department: ISC303
Instructor: Steve Johnson
Instruction Language: American English
Comments: This course was a very good introductory course for those who would want a glimpse into the finance world and the main concepts that can be applied in real-life situations. Personally, I think it is not very challenging. Nevertheless, it taught me alot about the finance world. His lectures mainly consists of on-the-board explanations of the content, excel demonstrations and news article analyses. He is very helpful as a professor and very patient with students that don't immediately understand the content. Highly Recommended.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Marketing Communications

Course Department: ISC304
Instructor: Daniel Laufer
Instruction Language: American English
Comments: Yes. The course does require substantial group projects, which in such a short program can be very challenging to coordinate in terms of scheduling and being timely productive. Follows his powerpoints and videos in class to give insight to Integrated Marketing Communications. The professor is knowledgeable in this area since its his expertise field.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Korean Cinema and Visual Cultures

Course Department: ISC283
Instructor: Darcy Paquet
Instruction Language: American English
Comments: Not a difficult class, however it is important to pay attention/attend class in order to better remember the amount of information you would have to know for his tests. The class really gave me a feel and interest for Korean cinema cultures because the content explains the underlying contexts with which Korean films/TV are created by. Therefore, if you are highly interested in film, I recommend this course. The Professor is a well-known film critic in Korea, hence he knows what he is teaching and teaches it well.
Credit Transfer Issues: not yet.
Course Name/Rating:

ISC304

Course Department: Marketing Communications
Instructor: Daniel Laufer
Instruction Language: American English
Comments: Overall this course felt very "from the textbook" and highly structured. Mainly,everything was based off of the powerpoints. It was as if you could teach yourself the concepts purely by reading the texts provided. Moreover, the professor is not helpful in explaining the course subject. Nevertheless he does bring good real-world application examples for the students to refer to.
Credit Transfer Issues: not yet.