What a World Past Review

By (Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge) - abroad from 05/29/2017 to 06/09/2017 with

International Business Seminars: Summer China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that traveling opens up one's eyes to so much, and it encourages me to travel more and maybe live abroad for a little while one day.

Review Photos

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? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was amazing to not be in a classroom, but immersed in the city we were learning about.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great proximity to everything and very beautiful!

* Food:

Nothing beats the street markets and hole in the Wall restaurants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really understood the city culture, but if I ever return to China o would like to experience a more rural town.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No one was sick!

* Safety:

It's a big city, so it's always a good idea to walk in groups and be aware of surroundings. I bought a theft proof bag and it helped me have more assurance my things would be safe, especially in the very crowded tourist areas.

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

I don't think I would ever go to China on my own, and this trip pushed me to go.

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)

I was able to find cheap food, and spent the rest of my money on shopping and other fun things.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $350 (US)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring more money than you think you'll need, just in case. It's better to have a little cushion.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Learn little key phrases. You'll pick up a lot while in the country too.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Getting to know the other students
  • The Great Wall
  • Walking around and exploring
* What could be improved?
  • Tour guides
  • Businesses being less of a recruiter
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? China is not a scary place.

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.