Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Summer Spent in Seoul Past Review

By (Towson University) - abroad from 06/24/2019 to 08/04/2019 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Seoul - Korea University International Summer Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to navigate myself around a country where I did not speak the language, and how to budget.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My professors were amazing and so knowledgable. I never felt bored or overwhelmed in my classes. I studied very hard for my exams but it was worth it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sandra could not have been more helpful and supportive to everyone during this program. If someone was having any type of issues, she did everything that she could to resolve the situation.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the Frontier dorms and my room reminded me of a model Ikea room. It was so clean and compact. There was plenty of storage and you could control air conditioner.

* Food:

The food in Anam was amazing. I tried to eat at a different place every meal. You can buy a mean plan at Korea University, but I didn't do that. I did eat at some of the cafeterias on campus and the food was very good. I budgeted out about $15 a day for food. But you could get away with way less if you eat at convenience stores.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met a lot of nice Koreans and it was awesome to be able to do language exchange with them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health problems but knew some people who did, and they said that the health care was great.

* Safety:

I never once felt unsafe in Anam. I'm from Baltimore and I'm used to cities not feeling safe. My friends and I never felt scared while walking at night or at any point during the trip.

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)

I spent a little over $100 a week just on food alone. That's not including any extra drinks from cafes or shopping. I would suggest bringing about $2,000 to spend.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Every time I got a paycheck I would put at least $100 a day to save up. When I got to South Korea, I made a lot of mistakes with food. You really do not need to spend more than 10,000 won for lunch and dinner unless you choose to do so. Meals that are over 10,000 won are usually for sharing with 2-3 people.

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

My Korean teacher really encouraged us to use as much Korean as possible. She would tell us helpful every day phrases so that we could get around easier.

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 for korean
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? Watch Youtube videos and download language apps.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Advisors
  • Courses
  • communication
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the average cost of meals in Anam

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 Linguist
You 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!