Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Definitely Different! Past Review

By (Biology, McGill University) - abroad from 06/09/2014 to 07/18/2014 with

Guizhou Forerunner College: Guizhou - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was truly a fantastic experience. Even though I`ve been to China many time before, never had I had had such an eclectic group of people teaching along with me. It was interesting mix of international volunteers all meeting in a tiny little village in the middle of China. There was a lot of changes to mingle and interact with the locals and I got to see a lot of beautiful sceneries and travel destinations for free with the school.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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:

GFC was situated in a rural location far from any city life and so itself was quite safe. However, China as a general does have a lot of safety issues especially with pick-pockets and traffic.

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)

Due to the short period I was at GFC, I had to pay for my own expenses except for lodging. However, if one was to stay for longer, the stipend covers most of the expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80/week

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I am fluent; so no courses
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International 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?
  • The people - from students to other teachers, every single individual was a joy to be with
  • the trips- we got to go as a group to many seneric locations and/or experience local life
  • the lodging- honestly better living conditions than my dorm in Canada.
* What could be improved?
  • Logistics - there was often a lot of confusion and scramble in the departments to figure out my schedule and whatnot
  • the food- although it was already better than I expected
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Because I went in the summer, I had the expectation that it was going to be SUPER hot and I only packed light dresses and shorts. However, GFC was in Guizhou province which has rather temperate climate with a lot of rain. I would definitely pack more long sleeves and jeans for next time.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.