Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An intensive experience--life changing! Past Review

By (BFA Dance, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/01/2013 to 06/14/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Traveling - China Dance Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worth the experience! I feel like we saw enough and experienced enough of a difference in luxuries, habits, language, culture and religion that we were filled with gratitude and a realization of how much we really have in America. I feel satisfied with the experience, and hope to return to China someday.

Review Photos

Brigham Young University: Traveling - China Dance Study Abroad Photo Brigham Young University: Traveling - China Dance Study Abroad Photo

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.

Incredibly intense program. Be prepared to be busy all day with school, homework, and performance preparation. I learned a lot, and am so glad that I went!

* 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?

We definitely got a feel for the local Dance culture. If we weren't as busy I would have liked to have spent more time outside of the campus and getting to know more of the people. However, I know that isn't the purpose of this program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

As long as you are smart--not acting like the tourist stereotype-- and follow the guidelines and rules set for the program you should be fine. Keeping curfew, or being in for the evening earlier than curfew is especially a good idea in the big cities like Xi'an and Beijing. Make sure that you use ATMs inside banks or hotels, and check to make sure you don't have fake currency. Avoid drawing extra attention to yourselves by being noisy or disrespectful.

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)

If you plan on eating outside of the meals provided for you, or drink a lot of water then bring some money for that. Also, if you plan to go shopping bring extra.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 15
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat what is provided for you. If you are able to choose your meal, don't eat "American" or "Western" food, since it is usually double or more the price of the local food. Don't spend very much on the "Cheapy goodies", be wise about what you buy and if you really want it, will use it, and need it. Budget ahead of time for some souvenirs, and keep to your budget. The experience matters more than the stuff that will break over time. Leave your US phone at home, it is expensive to do International anything. If you have a laptop you can skype or you can get a temporary phone there if you really need.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The local people--making friends with other students
  • Experiencing all the various flavors and ways to prepare local foods
  • Strengthening friendships with my class-mates, we became a family and lifted each other when we needed it.
* What could be improved?
  • Slightly less food, we were so well taken care of, but we also felt the need to eat more than was healthy because of the situations.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? American straighteners and other appliance like electronics are not compatible with the outlets and the adapters. I would have left mine at home if I had known and saved room in my suitcase. I also would have brought more gifts for the friends we made and the classmates we had. They are a gift-giving people and it is impossible to pay them back for everything they do for you.