Past Review
By Jamie M (Security and Risk Analysis, Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for
Penn State Altoona: Seoul - International Conference
It was a great experience. I presented a paper in front of an international body. That experience and practice will defiantly be useful in the future. I really enjoyed the group of students and professors I was with. It was great to be with professors I had only know in a classroom setting. I feel that Korea really gave me a reason to want to continue to travel.
Personal Information
| 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
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We only received 2 credits for the trip. Presenting a paper at an international conference is what makes this trip worth taking. The pre departure course, I felt, was a little too much work for 1 credit course. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was well planned out. We really were just told when and where to meet. It was awesome not having to worry about details |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We stayed in hotels. They were really nice. I hated not having free WIFI though. |
| * Food: |
Okay. It was Korea, the food was going to be different then what I was use to. At every meal there was at least something that I liked and could eat. At every meal, there was a bowl of rice which was a great back up in case I didn't like the main meal. I didn't go hungry at all. In Korea, they eat with a spoon and chop sticks. That was defiantly difficult. You need to go in with an open mind or else Korean meals are not going to be a good experience. I defiantly tried foods I would otherwise have never had. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were able to go to Seoul's Womens University which was really cool. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe. I was always with a group. We went out late at night and never had an issue. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about $100 through the week. Most of our meals were already paid for. I did not buy any extra things while there. It really depends on how much you want to shop. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The largest expense really is the plane ticket. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was there only for a week. Everyone spoke English for the most part. I picked up on a couple words but that is it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is not about emerging yourself in Korean culture. We went to a conference which happened to be in South Korea. We went out and saw and participated in touristy Korea. I doubt we really got to see the real Korea. I have no regrets and really did enjoy my time. However, if you are looking to really get to know the Korean people and the culutre then this program will not reach those goals. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
NAVIGATE NEW FRONT |
| Course Department: | INTST 497A, Section 004 |
| Instructor: | Mandy |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This is a predeparture course. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
IST 297C |
| Course Department: | IST 297C |
| Instructor: | Jung Ryoo |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | We received 1 credit for participating abroad. We had to write a paper when we returned which was 1500 words. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
