Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Korea is so hot right now. Past Review

By (International and Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/24/2014 to 08/07/2014 with

Yonsei University: Yonsei International Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to meet people from other places of the world and talk to them about Korea. While learning about how foreigners see Korea, I also got a glimpse into the life of a Korean student. It was like seeing what I could have become if my family never moved away. I could see firsthand how similar and different I was from Koreans living in Korea. In the end, I became more assured with who I am and grateful for the opportunities I have.

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

There was a lot of miscommunication between the administration while applying for the program. When I emailed them, they would seen irrelevant, generic responses that did not answer my questions. Perhaps the language barrier got in the way. I finally had to call them through a friend who spoke Korean.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The rooms were very nice. My roommate and I loved the veranda, and the air conditioner. It felt less like a dorm that way.

* Food:

Food was delicious. Eating on campus was very cheap, but not that great. You'll need to leave campus for good food thats a little more expensive, but its worth it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city was very safe, as long as you walk in crowds in the dark. Strangers are very friendly and willing to help, so as long as you avoid dark, empty alleys.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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-wise was around $50/week. I was treated a lot, so it probably should have come up to more. Also, not sure about how much I spent on souvenirs and gifts.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Earn money before you come here. Most likely will splurge.

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? Fluent
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? 20
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to travel outside campus. Living at the international dorm means not many of the residents will speak Korean with you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • More tourist trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program is incredibly short, especially when you have to take full credit classes in half the time you usually do.

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.