A great way to see the world and learn about yourself in the process! Past Review

By (Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge) - abroad from 07/25/2015 to 08/07/2015 with

International Business Seminars: Summer China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that no one is right or wrong when it comes to culture and tradition, just different. It was a challenge to accept a different way of life, but once I did, it was extremely fulfilling. It was absolutely worth every penny.

Review Photos

International Business Seminars / IBS: Summer China Photo International Business Seminars / IBS: Summer China Photo International Business Seminars / IBS: Summer China Photo International Business Seminars / IBS: Summer China Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great balance between challenging academic seminars and free time to be a tourist!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Different but all part of the experience!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Initial culture shock is a real thing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Vaccines were advised before the trip. No other health care issues besides the amount of pollution in the air.

* Safety:

China felt like a very safe place. Even at night, there wasn't a lot to fear walking down the streets. As always, it is necessary to be aware of your surroundings especially being a tourist in a foreign city.

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)

China is relatively cheap, but buying souvenirs and going out added to the overall cost. I ran out of money during the last week. I would advise bringing $700.00 in cash if you really want to treat yourself!!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bargain when buying items in the streets! You can get almost anything for less than half of the original asking price.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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?
  • I loved the people I was with. We all had such a great time and got along so well.
  • I enjoyed communicating with the locals through body language and smiles.
  • I enjoyed getting to see all sides of life in China: both rich and poor.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish I would've had a specific packing list and been told to bring more money than I did.
  • We were the guinea pigs for some of the business we visited. You live and learn!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is okay to feel completely out of sorts and scared in a new place. That's part of what makes it so exciting. Don't be too hard on yourself and allow yourself some time to adjust.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.