Best study abroad program Past Review
By Sierra Grayson (Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 06/21/2016 to 07/22/2016 with
Seoul Women's University: Bahrom International Program / BIP Summer Program
There are the obvious gains in global perspective that an opportunity like this offers, but this program almost forces (in a good way!) you to make friends with people you wouldn't necessarily expect. The format and organization of the program is so inclusive that no one feels alienated or left out. It was a great social experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I have lactose intolerance, which isn't a big dietary restriction (I always bring medicine with me that eliminates adverse effects), and the program provided me with dairy free meals and options. |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
BIP was an incredible program that allowed you to live in the heart of Seoul, eat amazing Korean food, and explore a culture that is wildly different from that at home. It is an incredible value, and living with Korean, International, and American students in a dorm for four weeks adds to the fun. |
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) |
Seoul is a very cost-efficient city. I budgeted about $1,5000 for four weeks and ended spending a little over $500. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $125 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would set aside a set amount for each week, and for gift/souvenirs. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Most people in Seoul understood basic English. We only used the Korean we learned to say please, thank you, and hello. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Korean is a fairly simple language to learn. I think the students who spent the extra time studying the language probably had a slightly more immersive experience than those that did not. However, for this program, learning the language is not necessary. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Say yes to every extra-curricular activity. If someone invites you to try a new restaurant or go to karaoke, just do it. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
