Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely the greatest/eye-opening experience of my life September 06, 2023

By (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 07/27/2023 to 08/03/2023 with

Yonsei University: Yonsei International Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Korea, and most importantly about myself. I am grateful for my new found independence

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.

loved my professors and cflasses

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

i really appreciated the AC in the summer and the private bathrooms. however, some of the furniture was very old and the sheets were not cleaned very well

* Food:

honestly some of the best food i've ever had in my life

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

absolutely love korean culture !!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

did not have any health issues during the program

* Safety:

not once did i feel unsafe, there will always be people willing to help you, busses available for transportation

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

ABSOLUTELY!! I could not have been more grateful for this experience

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)

I had money saved up for this trip. Due to it being my first time in Korea, I did spend a lot more than expected.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I did spend a lot more money on clothes/skincare and other miscellaneous items
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I definitely say budget wisely. That is what I wanted to do and always told myself to do before the program but I never actually got to it.

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 30A
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? Definitely get a good foundation of Korea before you begin the program. Even if you haven't taken a class before, understanding the basic language for everyday use is very important. There are a lot of English speaking locals but knowing some korean will benefit you more

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

  • Americans
* 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 sense of independence
  • the ability to study at a SKY university
* What could be improved?
  • some management issues
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Cherish every moment because it goes by so so fast. Also- Yonsei has a very big campus

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.