Seoul, a city of Possibilities Past Review
By A student (University of Central Florida) - abroad from 06/24/2019 to 08/02/2019 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Seoul - Korea University International Summer Campus
I studied abroad in Korea University. During the Summer, the Korea University campus is full of greenery. The campus architecture makes the University look like a modern-day castle. In the Summer, the temperature is scorching, and the sky is mostly sunny. Located in the campus underground area, there is KU study rooms, a Morning Glory (stationary store), a CU (convenience store), cafes and restaurants, a cafeteria, and KU Optical. While classes were in session, I got to connect with knowledgeable professors in their field and learn in a small class setting, which facilitated the learning process. Professors hold office hours in addition to teaching classes, which are very useful. If you take third to fourth-year level classes, it will be difficult, but I learned great study habits during my time abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
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: |
Korean food located in Anam-ro (where Korea University is located) is the best and cheapest food ever. The variety and different restaurants you can go to is endless. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
In Korea, it is hard to make friends with Korean students unless you have friends in common with them. Naturally, their culture is more reserved and exclusive, but once your make friends with them the friendship will last a lifetime! Additionally, like any part of the world, there is still discrimination and racism, but it's very subtle. Although there were some negatives, the positives definitely outweigh them. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Although I didn't use the healthcare since I didn't get sick, I experienced my friends having a fairly simple time using it. What I did love, though, is how much cheaper and less of a hassle it is to get your eyesight checked and new glasses/contacts done! |
| * Safety: |
South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world. Although it is safe, don't let it distract you from the fact that danger might not potentially exist! There will always be people, no matter where you go, that will try to take advantage of others. Watch out for scammers (they tend to approach foreigners and ask them to follow them to a suspicious event). |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
When you come to Seoul, it is easy to fall into the “buy everything” mode. It is best if you browse stores for many days. If an item you want is from a well-known brand, once a sale appears in the stores, it is the best time to buy that item. If the item is from small local shops, you will want to browse different markets and parts of Seoul for that item. Chances are, that item can be found at a cheaper price in a different part of the city. Additionally, do not be afraid to bargain (if you know how to) even if you don’t speak the language. If you’re good at bargaining, you can still knock off tens of thousands of Korean Won off the original price without needing to speak the language. A good tip for when you go market shopping/bargaining, is to always wear simple clothes that don’t draw too much attention. Vendors will always try to check out your appearance before telling you the price on an item. Additionally, it is important to keep tabs of how much you’re spending on meals each day. Make sure to not make it a habit of going to cafes everyday as café prices are usually inflated for how much you’re being served. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 126 |
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 |
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| 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? |
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? | Fruits in Seoul are very hard to come by if you do not know the language and how to navigate through markets. Fruit is expensive as they do not have the means to domestically produce mass amounts of 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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
