South Korea: A Second Home at Seoul University thanks to NSLI-Y Past Review
By Laura F (International Relations, Stanford University) for
University of Seoul: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I'm so happy I took a year abroad, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Of course, there are things I wish I could've done better, but when I see how much I've grown and learned I can't count any regrets. I completely immersed myself in another culture and discovered things I wouldn't have otherwise. South Korea, to me, feels like a second home!
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. |
While taking classes at Seoul University during the summer was phenomenal, the rest of the year I received little guidance in terms of language study. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It certainly felt very personal -- we met all the staff (including the president), went to the office and received specialized attention. In terms of efficacy though they seemed a little understaffed. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a dorm most of the year but also stayed with two host families, 2 months each. The host families were the best part of my experience; I felt very comfortable, safe and welcome. |
| * Food: |
Korean food is very spicy, and my stomach is too sensitive to handle it. That being said, it was fairly difficult to find food that would sit well with me. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Did a lot of traveling! i feel like I know Korea better than my own home. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
We were encouraged to go to get vaccinations or go to a clinic as soon as any symptom of illness presented itself. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The program definitely had a big focus on language acquisition, even if it provide as many resources as it could have. Through self-study and daily interactions I learned a lot of Korean by the end of my stay. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't expect to get a lot of help learning the language. As long as you put in your share of effort, though, it will pay off in the end. Also, take any and every opportunity to travel and attend different events; it definitely enriches the experience beyond anything you could think of. |
