Fast Times at Guizhou University Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The door to the entire international is locked every night at midnight and only reopened between 6:00 and 6:30 in the morning. This is quite annoying and loud. It is an unnecessary hassle for entering and exiting one's living quarters. Persons entering the building after midnight are required to write their name in a notebook which is reviewed by the school's administration. From what I hear this is not common practice in larger program's located in cities like Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing. However, it will effect your personal hours while you are a student at Guizhou University. Other than this inconvenience, the quarters (depending on your room assignment) can be quite spacious and comfortable. For westerners, you will not be accustomed to the bathroom facilities. Some of the bathrooms have a terrible odor due to improper plumbing and drainage. The electricity and water utilities are unavailable for hours or even days at a time. This is all a part of living in Guizhou though. This dorm is excessive luxury to nearly any native Chinese student at Guizhou University, so count your blessings. All in all, the living arrangements are a good accommodation for access to such a unique part of China.

The food in the cafeteria is mediocre just like just about any college in the USA. However, cafeteria food is the best for your dollar and their are plenty of options within the domain of Chinese food and the cuisine of Guizhou. However, must international students only occasionally eat in the cafeteria. The food sold by street vendors or in restaurant stalls is far suberb! Hot pot and fried rice and BBQ and fresh fruit, not to mention western style food and amenities, all within a short walk of the university! The food in HuaXi district is unbeatable.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You will always be a foreigner in Guizhou. No matter if you speak perfect Chinese and know the culture live a native, you will always stand out among the crowds of hundreds and thousands of Chinese. Unless you look to be a Chinese person, you will never truly "blend in." Regardless, it's up to one's effort as to much they integrate with the local culture. Chinese people are very friendly, and more than willing to interact with foreigners. Plenty of the students can speak English well enough to converse, and some are highly proficient in English language. Furthermore, Guizhou is a great place to learn language and culture, as so many of the locals cannot communicate with you and do not have an understanding of your native culture. So adaptation is a means of survival in Guizhou. Cultural integration is a measure of how much you are really learning there. The local culture is ancient, but rapidly changing. It is captivating and a true adventure to immerse oneself in for those who want to study in China.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Dorm
• Hostel

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• International Students

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• International Students

• Meeting girls
• The food. If you don't like spicy food, find somewhere else to study.
• The natural environment (Guizhou is beautiful.)

• Students could be given free access through the door of the international hostel at all hours.
• The roof of the international should be open to all residents at any hour, like it was in 2012. (I have been to Guizhou University more than once.
• Communication from the College of International Education could be more effective and thorough. It is oftentimes haphazard and last minute. A calender of holidays and important dates should be given to all international students.

The Avid Adventurer