Growth through pressure Past Review
By Tommy R (Chinese, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/31/2017 to 12/17/2017 with
CET Harbin
My language profieciency improved tremendously. It was definently worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work was very intense, it gave me a lot of pressure, which has helped my Chinese language proficiency improve tremendously. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I didn't have any need to interact with the program administration beyond them asking whether I felt my classes were at an appropriate difficulty. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My room's bathroom had several problems with water leaking from the pipes above, but the aunties were very helpful. |
| * Food: |
I feel like I will no longer enjoy rice in America after eating 东北饭。 |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Outside of the school I saw no other foreigners. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My roommate helped me with the hospital when I had an allergic reaction to something, and all of my teachers were always concerned and interested in my wellbeing. |
| * Safety: |
I experienced no problems. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
It was a good experience, though I wish it would have been a bit colder. |
Finances
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* 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 used less than 100RMB(~16USD) a week on food and personal expenses, though I know some classmates spent more. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100RMB |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Bargain when you go to markets, don't just accept the price they offer you. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We have to take a language pledge. If you don't use the language you won't be talking. |
| 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? | CHIN 4301 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk with classmates/roommates. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Lots of the words I now know. Also that you shouldn't take the taxis from the airport, they often charge way too much. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
