Winter Wonderland Past Review

By (Chinese Language and Literature., Trinity University) - abroad from 02/03/2012 to 06/07/2012 with

CET Harbin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was life-changing. My language skills opened up a huge door to understand the Chinese people and culture.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This is definitely one of the most intense language programs I've ever heard of and attended. The language pledge was truly taken seriously, and the teaching was EXCELLENT.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Harbin Institute of Technology had decent classrooms, but the dorms took almost two weeks to warm up. I had to fall asleep in my parka.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I loved all the cafes around campus! There were plenty of coffee shops and Western food places, as well as good, cheap

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No

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

AWESOME language pledge.

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? Fluent
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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

  • 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?
  • A great language pledge
  • Great classmates
  • Amazing roommate
* What could be improved?
  • The dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring more Western food with me!