Studying abroad in Korea, Experience of a lifetime. Past Review
By Lindsey N (Pre-Business, University of Hawaii - Manoa) for
Yonsei University: Seoul - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained alot of life qualities from this experience. It definitely made me more self-reliant since I was living in a foreign country alone. It made me feel much more independent thus contributing to my responsibilities. It also helped shape my personality to even a greater level in that now I can now alter my personality to all kinds of individuals. It was due to this international experience that allowed me to achieve this.
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. |
My educational experience can be summed as up and down. Since many of these professors didn't speak english as their native language there were problems in understanding the professor at times. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The study abroad office provided great services to the exchange students. They were definitely helpful especially with setting up class schedules. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I met alot of students who were solely there for the korean language program so they were able to help me with my language problems. This is something that was essential to my overall satisfaction in my host country. |
| * Food: |
There are a bunch of cafeterias on campus that serve an assortment of food at cheap prices students can afford. However these cafeterias can get really crowded at times so it might force you to venture off campus and spend a little more money on food, although the quality is much better at these outside establishments. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were bunch of international clubs aimed at bridging the locals with the exchange students. Although I enjoyed this aspect of it, many of the korean students didn't plan many meetings probably due to their excessive school schedules. Also when they did have planned meetings/trips, it was kind of overpriced. It seemed as if they were trying to take advantage of us exchange students. It was this type of thing that made me deter these clubs towards the end of my experience. But it is a great way of meeting local and foreign students! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city has strict laws on crime and drugs so the city is very safe. The only thing to look out for is public intoxication. They're not entirely strict on this so don't be surprised if you see drunk people walking around or vomit on the ground. |
| 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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It will be hard meeting new friends, as was especially in my case since I didn't speak the native language of my host country at all. But this forced me to let my boundaries down a bit and it allowed me to meet alot of new friends. My recommendation would be to actively try to make friends, and please represent your home country well. Specifically as a person from Hawaii, many people I met were aware of the tourist aspect of my home so I made sure to portray myself in the best way possible so no negative imagery would be created about my hometown. |
