Exciting 1 Year Exchange at Korea University Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The amount of rigor in your courses really depends on the classes you pick. Most courses will be a midterm, final, and either a presentation or paper. The university's policy states that attendance is not mandatory, but most professors will require it anyway. Most professors will be very willing to help you if you have any trouble in the class!

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In the first semester, I lived in CJ International House which is one of Korea University's dorms for international and exchange students. The dorm itself was wonderful and very clean (cleaning staff would come once a week and clean everything except individual rooms). There are two kitchens on each floor with a stove, microwave, water dispenser, and two refrigerators where you can put one labeled box of your own food. There were, however, some instances of food stealing and administration does not deal with that unless you file a police report. The dorm location is very poor because it is on top of a tall, steep hill away from most restaurants and convenience stores. In the second semester, I lived in a guesthouse on a main street where all Korea University students go to hang out. The location was much better than the dorms and there are many different guesthouses on this street if you don't live in the dorm. Most of the rooms in these guesthouses are rather small, but they usually come with more amenities (like food, free laundry, vacuum).

Korea is known for very spicy cuisine, and while there are plenty of non-spicy options, it was still difficult to completely avoid spicy food. I went to Korea with a very low spice tolerance and after being in Korea for one year, my tolerance rose significantly. There is also a variety of non-Korean foods to choose from around campus and in Seoul. I have met people who found it difficult to be a vegetarian in Korea, but it is possible.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Pharmacies are very abundant around Seoul and the medicine is very cheap. I went to one ENT doctor and it was cheap as well. There may be a language barrier with the doctor even if they are advertised as English-speaking, so I would recommend going with a Korean friend or Korean buddy from the exchange program. No specific vaccines were needed for this program, but you need to be tested for TB. Fine (yellow) dust is very prevalent in Korea year-round, so you need to wear a mask otherwise you can contract bronchitis or other throat related health issues.

Seoul is very safe as long as you are vigilant and around other people. Koreans generally never steal; you can leave your belongings in a cafe for hours and no one will touch it (although do this at your own discretion)

I loved living in Seoul and the buddy program for exchange students really helped to integrate exchange students into Korean culture. I was able to meet, not only local Koreans, but other students from all around the world and made lifelong friends.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm
• Other

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The ability to make new friends from all over the world
• Food

• Course Registration Procedure

The Academic or Linguist