Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Summer Abroad in Korea: a hanbok experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 07/03/2018 to 08/09/2018 with

Yonsei University: Yonsei International Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that each culture is so unique. During my study abroad, I met so many people from around the world and it was so amazing to hear and learn about all of their cultures. I learned more about my Korean culture and I appreciate it a lot more now.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Korean language class at Yonsei was much more challenging than the class at Brandeis. At Yonsei, the materials learned was harder but also more useful for everyday speech. I feel like I learned a lot more about the Korean language at Yonsei than I did at Brandeis.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed at the International House at Yonsei. The only complaint that I have is that it was very far from the main campus road.

* Food:

I really enjoyed the food at Yonsei. Not only was it cheap, but also it was delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since I am Korean, I think it made it easier to adapt to the culture faster than most people. However, there was still a slight language barrier.

* 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? No

I chose to study abroad in Korea because I was already familiar with the culture. But if I get another chance, I would love to study abroad in a place that is totally unfamiliar and where I can experience new culture, people, and foods.

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I think I underestimated how much I would spend on food. Next time, I would leave more money for food and less for sightseeing/ souvenirs.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Korean 20
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Taking a Korean Language class at Yonsei really helped broaden my vocabulary and encouraged me to use Korean on a day to day basis.

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Korean Language class
  • the food
  • meeting people
* What could be improved?
  • dorm
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I should bring more money.

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.