Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Overflowing with Opportunities May 24, 2023

By (Political Science and Government, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/23/2023 to 05/20/2023 with

CET Taiwan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained language skills (surprisingly, mostly in the area of reading comprehension). I gained adaptability, a greater understanding of Taiwanese culture, a stronger sense of cultural relativity, and new friends.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Chinese classes were a lot of work but very little grade pressure (there was a huge curve). Elective class was very little work until the final paper, which was a ton of work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very capable staff, kept us informed, very nice and personable as well

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was amazing. My roommates were okay

* Food:

The program did not provide food. Food in Taipei, however, is phenomenal

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did an internship, so I definitely felt integrated into that community. Because of the internship, however, I did not have much free time to engage with the culture in other ways.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experience, but the healthcare coverage I had in Taiwan was 10x better than what I have in the US

* Safety:

Very safe in most ways: you can walk at night, people don't really steal stuff, etc. We did have some nightclub incidents of creepy guys and roofies.

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

CET provides a ton of opportunities for all sorts of cultural and language immersion. They are extremely supportive, both with words and money. The internship opportunity they pointed me too was the best work experience I've ever had.

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)

Taiwan is quite cheap (compared to the US).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Not really.

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

Depends on your roommates really.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? 400
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? Make use of your language partner and local roommates.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 internship
  • The class
  • My friends
* What could be improved?
  • Some internship class kids had terrible experiences
  • The curriculum for the internship class could be solidified
  • The roommate preference form should include a question about whether you are interested in an in-house language pledge.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm glad I went in as I did. I learned a lot

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Chinese 500
Course Department: Chinese
Instructor: Ms. Wang
Instruction Language: Mandarin
Comments: The course was not challenging. We took one field trip, which was very fun and useful. The teacher was extremely well-prepared, as well as being very kind and flexible. I participated a little more than usual, because of the small class-size. We were assessed fairly using reports and exams.
Credit Transfer Issues: I hope I will not encounter any issues.
Course Name/Rating:

Internship: Bridging Theory and Practice
Course Department: Interdisciplinary
Instructor: Rita Jhang
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was easy until the final paper, which was a ton of work. We had not field trips. Rita was extremely knowledgeable and fun. I participated the same amount as I do at home. We were assessed with participation and papers -- the grading was perhaps a little arbitrary, but nothing too serious.
Credit Transfer Issues: I hope I will have no issues.