Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Seoul is a coupley place! Past Review

By (International Relations; Chinese, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 02/22/2013 to 06/23/2013 with

USAC Korea: Yonsei University in Seoul - Korean and East Asian Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that even though a culture is interesting and wonderful, my personality affects my experience. My personality can either merge with a culture or not.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was great, but we had to pay for our own food and find places to eat. The school had some restaurants, but they closed early.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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

* 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?
  • Meeting several international students
* What could be improved?
  • More emphasis on learning the language
  • More emphasis on being immersed in the community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? My personality can either merge with a culture or not. I am used to going out alone, but it felt awkward in Seoul because it seemed that everyone else was either paired off or in a group.

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!