Korea: More Than Meets the Eye Past Review
By Andy C (Public Policy Analysis., University of California - Riverside) for
Yonsei University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes, the experience was definitely worthwhile. I was able to better understand the Korean society, its values, and get a glimpse on how life is abroad. My experience has promoted me to become more globally aware and well-rounded in interests of various fields.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Courses I took were to fulfill my music minor degree, so the course load was not too heavy. The professors are just like in the states, but very helpful and open to new ideas. They understood that I was an exchange student and here to explore the culture, not to study all day. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very friendly and helpful in every way possible. Knowledgeable of American culture and values. Exceeded my expectations greatly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
One would need to go buy fruits to get it in his or her diet. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Sun Am Village, Hwa Am Cave, High Resort, Bibap, Cheusok, River rafting were all awesome and phenomenal! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety was well-managed, and it was helpful that there was a hospital next to the university. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $160 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Drinking, smoking, and clubbing can add up very quickly. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Be open minded and use the language whenever possible, wherever. Most Koreans know some English, but tend to be shy in speaking, so be out going. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | Be open minded and willing to try new things. Take initiatives to make friends. Take things with a grain of salt. Live and learn. Agree to disagree when things don't work out. Messages get lost in translation, but it's the process that builds friendship and bonding. People who are willing to explore mentally, physically, and socially would benefit most from this program. |
