hit the ground running Past Review
By A student (Foreign Languages, University of New Mexico) - abroad from 08/28/2011 to 06/25/2012 with
Sungshin Women's University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned Korean (mostly from Dongguk) and I met a lot of different kinds of people. I learned how to be self-reliant and also how to get involved in Korean culture. -- it was definitely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Sungshin Women's University, Dongguk University |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Sungshin: The English selection was low and the Korean classes were choppy with two different teachers. Thus, I took 3 different level German classes (only allowed into the ones taught by Germans). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Buddies offered were unreliable. The staff was hard to reach (other campus + busy/other obligations). One was personable, but had no power to help us. No English offered at mandatory orientation. A Plus: 3 events - farewell party, overnight trip to Gangwha-do, and home stay for Korean holiday. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Nice apartment, but location was atop a mountain (exercise!). 15-20 min walk to school + public transport - but good grocery selection. Unequal pay and rooms in the dorm - 6 girls, 4 rooms - 2 shared and 2 had solo rooms - but 2 paid (one with solo room) $300 and others paid $500/mo. -- this was rectified in 2nd sememster. Also -- unannounced "intrusion" (inspection, cleaning, tech people) many times a week from unknown people (language barrier). Security issue -code key wasn't changed with new wards-- old ward enter unannounced. No individual door lock/key. Plus: padding on the floors comfortable and modern appliances. - negative: chairs didn't fit the desks. |
| * Food: |
The school did not offer a meal plan. I did not use their cafeteria. (this question does not apply). -- independent establishments were all around the school though + grocery stores / convenience stores. It was really easy to find food. (I'd give general availability of food a 4 and selection a 3.5 -- Korean food is king) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Most people didn't speak much English - so I used Korean a lot. I lived with only international students - so we didn't get to practice much at home... the Korean Thanksgiving home-stay was a good experience. But usually - I didn't interact with Koreans for fun (language barrier). |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No vaccine necessary. Japanese Encephalitis was suggested. The school nurse there was easy to reach and was authorized to give medicine in 3 day packs - free. My roommate was sick once and we were able to get her to a hospital nearby and taken care of. For me - my wisdom tooth got infected and was able to get translation from the office and visit the dentist - got antibiotics and went back for 1 removal -- approximately $75 dollars for all of it (both pill sets + 3 visits) - much cheaper than home. |
| * Safety: |
Seoul felt very safe for such a huge city. I could (though didn't often) walk around alone in Donam-dong (where we lived) after dark (11PM-12AM) and still see people in the streets and be in a lit area. Koreans are very active and busy - so the transport system is great at all hours of operation. |
| 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) |
Cheap meal: 1 (ramen) -4.5 dollars ... fruit expensive, transport: 2 dollars inner-city (round trip), Stuff: dollar store (plates/etc.), Costco for bulk (hard to buy bulk otherwise); ... clothes could be $$ (no trying on). Service was cheap - delivery, no tips, street vendors. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 130 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat like an American... You have to change your diet to Korean staples (rice, pepper, pickled vegetables, soy, minimal fruit) |
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 |
Sungshin had 2 mandatory Korean classes... but little opportunity to use the language in normal academic classes. -- I will answer this for Sungshin. //Dongguk prepared me much much more (at least 16 hours a week - left as intermediate) |
| 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? | Make Korean friends, write a diary - always try Korean first and use Konglish. |
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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| 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? | Never trust someone to do their job. I wish I knew I had check up on people. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
