Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Breathtaking Past Review

By (Economics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/27/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

Yonsei University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Priceless experience with amazing memories, friends and self-identity.

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:

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around 150 just because there were so many things I wanted to try
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking isn't really way to save money in Korea

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Elementary level
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't hesitate to meet people

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Family
  • Friends
  • City
* What could be improved?
  • NOTHING
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Courses that are available

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Building fluency in Writing
Course Department: English
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was definitely the best course I have taken at Yonsei. The professor was simply amazing. He was knowledgeable, well-prepared and helpful. He was always there for the students and encouraged them constantly. He made sure he engages every student in the class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Korean History
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Possibly the most boring course I ever took in my education experience. Although the materials were extremely interesting, the boring every day powerpoint presentation style of teaching discouraged students from participation. It was almost as if the professor read off the slides straight. But the materials were very good.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Korean politcis and Government
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Although it was my first attempt to take a political science course, I knew the professor was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. Various class activities such as discussion, debate and lectures helped me to understand and learn Korean Politics and Government.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Chinese
Course Department: Language
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English/Chinese
Comments: Although I believe that the language program at Yonsei University is great, I really felt that it was incomparable to the programs at Middlebury College. I only wish I had more chance to take language courses at Middlebury after the experience. Also I wish there was Korean at Middlebury.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Law of Economics
Course Department: Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: For the first time, I enrolled in a class larger than 20 students that I am used to at Middlebury College. The course had about 120 students. However, Yonsei University is known for its exchange programs. Thus, they made sure exchange students made smooth transition and even the professor were extremely welcoming. The professor was knowledgeable and encouraged participation from exchange students.
Credit Transfer Issues: No