Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Delicious food, wonderful people, and a hard language. Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 12/07/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Nanjing - China Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of language, and a lot about Chinese culture. I also learned a lot about myself, and how I interact with others. I grew up a lot and became much more independent. It was definitely worthwhile!

Review Photos

Brigham Young University: Nanjing - China Study Abroad Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt comfortable walking around by myself in the city, even at night if it wasn't too late. China is a pretty safe country.

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

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? $25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It's really easy to eat cheaply in China. Living costs are not that high. Just remember that you will spend a lot of money the first few weeks, because you pay all of your rent then, and phone, bike, etc. Other than that, if you don't shop to much you can live really cheap. I knew someone who tried to live on 10 RMB per day for about a week, but he was more diligent than the rest of us...

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

My teacher really encouraged us to use the language, but we weren't very good about speaking Chinese when we were just surrounded by our friends from BYU.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chinese 301
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? Pay attention in class, and get out and talk to people!! Don't stay in the apartment. Always go out to eat, for every meal. Go to the cafeteria and talk to students. It's hard to be outgoing (really hard), but the students are always really friendly and happy to talk.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Eating Chinese food
  • 4 hours of Chinese class every day
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Finding apartments
  • Getting out and talking to natives
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had gotten out and spoken even more than I did, and I tried really hard to do that when I was there. Also, make sure to start getting money out of the bank as soon as possible, to ensure you have enough for your apartment. Bring RMB to China from America, if possible.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!