Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A rigorous yet fulfilling semester January 07, 2024

By (Chinese Language, Literature, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/24/2023 to 11/18/2023 with

CET Taiwan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Taiwan, it's history, culture, and people. I got to live and adjust to a new international city. My Chinese skills improved so much. Overall I just gained confidence from being able to navigate new situations on my own. Definitely worthwhile.

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:

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

Despite how academically demanding the program was, I was still able to fit in several trips and experiences and I still built many close relationships. Because of how many hours I spent studying I learned so much this semester in addition to doing all of the fun activities. I also liked that I got to meet so many people who share a an affinity for Taiwan and Chinese.

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? $60 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In Taiwan, the inexpensive food options are just as delicious and nutritious. You can also gain cultural exposure through visiting small inexpensive restaurants since they still serve traditional dishes.

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

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? A year of advanced Chinese in my home institution.
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? Learn to order in Chinese. Also making local friends will allow you to at least integrate Chinese into an English conversation.

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

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Having local roommates
  • Having many costs for transportation or cultural experiences reimbursed
  • Attending NTU alongside other Taiwanese students and getting involved in the university
* What could be improved?
  • Prefacing how rigorous the program is!
  • Planning a program activity for the cultural holidays
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Studying abroad in Asia is a very different experience from the ones we often see happening in Europe. The work culture can be more demanding. The countries are further apart so there is less international travel, but there is still opportunity to travel within the country. Traveling to Asia over Europe also has many benefits, but don't go into the program expecting it to be like what your see on social media.

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!