Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unforeseeable Dream Past Review

By (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 08/24/2015 to 06/22/2016 with

Yonsei University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. While abroad I was able to do things I would have never dreamed of before. I had only hoped I would have an amazing experience; I never could have imagined everything I encountered. It has made me more excited to travel and learn more about different cultures. This experience has taught me that life is an exploration and that there is so many unforeseeable, beautiful things in the world to still be seen. I have learned to breach my comfort zone and as result I have become a more confident person. I hope to continue traveling and gain more knowledge about other countries.

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

I think they could have done a better job with helping the exchange students integrate in to the culture. I was able to do fine, but it was hard at first. And sometimes I felt as if the administration was excluding the exchange students from some of the activities on campus. They did not notify the exchange students of events very well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was amazing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care in South Korea was very quick and easily accessible. I only went twice to see a healthcare professional, but both times I went it only took about 30 minutes total to be seen and to get my medication prescribed to me. And my health problems (which were minor) were solved well.

* Safety:

I felt so safe in South Korea. Safer than living in the United States.

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

I had such a wonderful time being able to see another culture and meet various people from all walks of life.

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? $80

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • The Yonsei University campus, itself
  • Being able to talk with native speakers
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • How the international office handled the exchange students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How fast paced everything can be. This includes buses/subways/taxis, hospital visits, and going to the store. Also, that as a foreigner, you might experience some discrimination. It does not feel good, but you just have to shrug it off. There are more important things to worry about in life and studying abroad is too great of an opportunity to be worried about things so trivial.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.