Korea: re-think if you are not a native. Past Review
By Jee Yoon A (Psychology/Music, Wellesley College) for
Seoul National University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My mom wanted me to come back to Korea for a semester because she wanted me to be set with my future plan after graduating from college. She wanted me to be set on the place I would like to stay and have a job. I learned that during 8 years of studying in the United States, I changed much, and I feel much more fit in the American society than in the Korean society. I also learned how lucky and priviledged I am to be able to receive Wellesley education.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The quality of education was very poor compared to Wellelsey. What I learned over a semester over there was the same amount as what I would have learned in 2 weeks at Wellesley. (literally) |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was written in Korean, and not many people spoke English. Hardly anyone spoke English fluently. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with my parents at my house. |
| * Food: |
quality was very poor compared to Wellesley. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did not hang out with friends at SNU, but rather my own friends from childhood. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe, partially because I am a native Korean. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | . |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are not fluent in Korean, it may be very challenging. And, Korea is not yet open to foreigners to full extent, so you might have a difficult time. |
