Challenging but I would go back! July 19, 2025

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was pretty rigorous academically. Only a few assignments or tests meant that they were weighted very high and self-study was imperative. There was not a lot of feedback provided (mainly in science classes) and I didnt recieve some of my mid-term exam scores back until after the final. If you are not taking business or humanities courses you might be the only foreign student which can mean less (or even no) english being spoken in the class even if it was supposed to be in english. The korean classes are generally easier (its rumored almost impossible to fail) and help foster a sense of community among international and exchange students.

On-site administration of your program

There were a lot of mixed reviews in terms of program administration. As a direct enroll student I expected to be on my own for figuring out a lot of things but the office did provide some support and resources I had no issues getting in contact with them but I know of other students that have struggled with lack of response to emails. They arrange a sort of group buddy system for international and exchange students which is a great way to build a support system, ask about smaller issues, and make friends!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Anam International House and it was good facilities. I had a roommate but we got along well. Living in the dorms came with some strict rules (ex: NO outsiders allowed in the building, even students living in other dorms owned by the school) but it was significantly significantly cheaper than other housing options. Definitely be aware that there is a good chance you won't be able to get housing since ita based on whether you out of the like 7000 other people trying to get housing can click faster on the button to register.

I love korean food sooooooo much. I am a soup girly and this was my paradise. I'm lactose intolerant and its super easy to find food options and most traditional korean food doesn't have milk. It can be a bit more difficult in cafe's but its not too bad and some offer milk alternatived. Do be aware sometimes when it says juice its more like a smoothie and will have milk! I loved going to the school cafeterias (you don't need to live in the dorms) and they have very very cheap full meals which was nice as a very broke student. The food is good though not as amazing as a restaurant. Compared to the US food is very very cheap which makes eating out very easy and common. I would spend around $6 for a cheaper meal and 15 if I wanted something more expensive. If you want KBBQ though that is expensive

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was definitely a separation between Korean students and international and exchange students so it could be hard to make friends. Honestly you really just need to go for it casue I had people tell me in like my final two weeks that they had wanted to be friends with me but they were too nervous! So if you want korean friends it is up to you to make them and approach people even if its a little terrifying. The more korean you know though the easier it is.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any experience with the healthcare system. Do be aware once you have your residency card you have to pay into national health insurance.

VERY VERY SAFE. I mean its still a city so don't be dumb but as a very obviously foreign woman I felt safe walking home alone late at night. The biggest safety issue is when you've been drinking and in the party/clubbing areas of the city. Pickpocketing is also very rare (I walked with my phone and my wallet in my back pocket for the enritre semester) but still excersize caution especially in high traffic or tourist areas. If you lose or forget something likelyhood it is exactly where you left it and hasn't moved at all or been stolen.

My issues that I had weren't things that a different program would change

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

I spent around 800 - 1200 per month depending on how much I was being touristy and vacationing vs just living a normal life. Food was my biggest expense making up half or more of my monthly budget but I ate out for almost every meal. Total price for the semester including hosuing, tuition, flights, food, everything was ~14,500 - 15,000. But! I was on the lower end of things for most of my friend group becasue I didn't do as many of the tourist activities or trips as they did. If you are going to concerts especially expect to pay much more.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The direct enrollment has no requirment to learn korean, I was required by my home university (though I would have regardless and I highly reccomend you do).

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• Dorm

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• International Students

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• Local Students
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