Amazing! Do it! Past Review

By (Anthropology/Archaeology, SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

Sogang University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I want to go back so badly. It was the best time of my life.

Review Photos

Sogang University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Sogang University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Sogang University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Sogang University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Sogang University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were pretty easy other than the Korean language course which I found to be very challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Seoul is pretty globalized.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

didn't experience it

* Safety:

I felt incredibly safe at all times.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Its hard because you want to buy so many things

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250- subway, food, going out and shopping
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating Korean food is much cheaper than western food. Cabs can be cheaper than the subway if you get enough people. Shopping can be very cheap if you know where to go. Go to clubs early and drink soju beforehand.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? If you have the time learn the alphabet and basic greetings before you go. It will help tons!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Food
  • Korean Language Class
  • Korean people
* What could be improved?
  • Help introducing foreign students to Korean students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The language, don't wear shirts that show your shoulders or cleavage but bottoms can be as short as possible, super humid in the summer, bring rainboots or be prepared to buy them there, cleanest public bathrooms, kimchi goes well with everything, pizza is super expensive...

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.