Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for

Penn State Altoona: Seoul - International Conference

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was. I had a new experience and I've become more familiar with Asian culture. It was beneficial to me, definitely.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Seoul Women's University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We didn't do anything really "education" related while there besides presenting, and I'm not really sure how to rate that.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I don't know who the on-site administration was. Would that be the faculty we brought with us, or the one's who were hosting the program?

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The student I stayed with was an international student who has been studying in the United States, was my project partner, and a student whose family lives in South Korea.

* Food:

It was fun trying new foods!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had fun hanging with Susie and the other foreign students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I didn't have any health issues and I was always with someone so I never felt unsafe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $300. I bought a lot of souvenirs since I was only going to be there for a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I wish I had known I was going to end up going the Bellagio without a coat, without the rest of the group, and then be made to pay for it.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

I learned how to say Thank you. And I'm an American, I'm sorry. And bear, black bear, panda bear. I think that will be really beneficial in my day-to-day interactions now that I'm back.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Have fun!