Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Decision Ever!! November 10, 2025

By (Korean Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/30/2025 to 08/06/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Academically, I loved the class I took with Greg Scarlatoiu because we were able to interact with North Korean defectors and I learned so much about North and South Korean relations. In general, I learned a lot about myself and I gained a lot of confidence while I was abroad. I would say going abroad was worthwhile and it is an experience I will never forget.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived off campus

* Food:

Food is extremely cheap, especially on campus

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues whilst abroad so I don't have much to say, but having insurance via USAC was a good cushion to have

* Safety:

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

Yes and no. I think the UC students that went abroad through UCEAP had so many opportunities that the rest of us did not have, such as exclusive field trips, and their own lounge with on-campus staff. Because I am not a UC student, I would not have been able to study abroad through UCEAP even if I wanted to, so I would still pick USAC because I think the pre-abroad support they gave was helpful, but the support whilst I was abroad was minimal.

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)

Food and accommodations were cheap especially compared to other programs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Affordability
  • Pre-departure support
  • Ability to connect with other students prior to the program
* What could be improved?
  • Support while abroad from the program
  • Academic resources
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing in particular, I feel like some general tips from previous students such as getting a climate card instead of a regular transit card, etc. would have helped.

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.