Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was much different than what I expected, but in a good way. Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 02/14/2016 to 06/18/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that it is very important to know some of the language when you travel to different countries. I learned what it feels like for people in a country to see someone and something different for the first time and to deal with that reaction with positive reinforcement and communication. It was definitely worthwhile for me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved the different teaching style abroad

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

A little unorganized for foreign students

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Better than home university and cheaper.

* Food:

Going out for food was better,

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very interesting to watch.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick and I got some medicine easily, with the help of my roommate.

* Safety:

I could go out at night and feel very safe. Very very safe.

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

I've always wanted to travel to Asia, and being in Korea was the most diverse experience I've had from the 11 countries that I've been to. Plus I really enjoyed the people I was with.

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)

Be smart and you will be fine. spend on what you need first and what you want later. trust me

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100ish
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat in the cafeteria as much as you can in the beginning and take advantage of cheap food. Don't try to eat out and be in cafes every day. Save that for weekend trips and stuff, it will be worth it.

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

I wish I could've used it more.

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? know phrases before you come here. Do not be the foreign student who expects everyone to speak to you in english all the time.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The food experiences
  • the first week in Seoul with our program
  • Brian, our guide in Korea. (He was awesome.)
* What could be improved?
  • Organizations communication with foriegn students
  • More support with class set up
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 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.