One of the few things I was sure of Past Review
By Melissa Atlixqueno Reyes (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/22/2018 to 06/21/2018 with
Korea University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned more about myself and what I am capable of doing if I put my mind to it. It was definitely worthwhile. It had its challenges but also memories I will hold deep in my heart.
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 courses offered were taught in a different style from my home university. There were not a lot of resources offered for me to succeed academically. There were no tutors and for one class review sessions were taught only in Korean. This discouraged me from attending optional review sessions. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was not much interaction with the faculty which was different from back home where every month I would meet with a faculty member to talk about challenges etc. Professors were overall helpful however their teaching styles need to be improved. This is just individual review and no correlation with the university. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had very nice accommodations and not much to complain about. |
| * Food: |
I enjoyed the food offered at the cafeteria and the abundance of restaurants around made eating much more enjoyable. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I would daily explore Seoul and other parts of Korea by myself and with friends. The university made a really good job as well in integrating us exchange students with the local students through the KUBA program, one of the best memories of my time there. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Due to the change in environment and the yellow dust I was sick often. However compared to the US medicine was cheaper which made it manageable. |
| * Safety: |
During my stay in Seoul and South Korea in general I always felt safe and was never in fear of my safety. A country that practices respect with one another I can truly attest that this is true. Of course one should always be careful when visiting a foreign country. Learning the customs and values of the country one is visiting I think is definitely one of the factors that can make a stay in that country a favorable one. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I was able to be comfortable being myself. I met a lot of great people I will for sure be close to in my life. The are of the university is desirable and Seoul or Korea in general is a place I will for sure come back to visit. |
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 was unable to get any scholarships unfortunately. I always had a limited budget. It can be difficult to live on a student budget as you are in a different country and want to experience everything the country has to offer. I am thankful for my parent's help. I highly recommend to save as much as money as possible.. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Definitely set up a budget. If possible have someone else control the amount of money you have and get an allowance weekly. This stops the general though many have when spending money that they have enough and spend more then they think. |
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 |
I love learning languages and learning Korean in class definitely helped me understand more in my daily life and was encouraged to use it as well. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | Definitely study or take a course beforehand. I regret not doing so as I sometimes felt helpless and had to rely on others for help. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Save your money wisely and just as you do at home there are cheaper alternatives everywhere. |
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. |
