An education in all things China Past Review
By Shannon A (Biomedical Sciences, General., Colorado State University) - abroad from 06/22/2012 to 07/21/2012 with
INTO China - Tianjin: Nankai University
I gained an understanding of Chinese culture and language. I had barely any knowledge of any Asian culture and I learned so much through this experience. I also gained some great friends. I hope to see them again whether in their country or in the US.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teacher was excellent and seemed passionate about teaching us about the language and culture, as well as learning more about us. We all started at zero, and in the end I think we learned more than we thought possible in a month. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All of the staff and mentors were very willing and always available to help us with our language skills or just to get around town. Very well organized! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The rooms had air-conditioning that worked really well. The en-suite bathrooms were cleaned everyday. Two minute walk to the classroom. My only complaint would be the internet speed, you could use the audio on skype to talk, but video skyping wasn't possible all the time. |
| * Food: |
The food was good and it was easy to order without any Chinese language skills. INTO provided more than enough money on our dining cards to use throughout the month. The dining card money could also be used at a convenience shop. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt really safe in Beijing and Tianjin. Obviously you need to follow the rules that you should follow at home too: stay in groups, tell people where you are going, and lock your room. We walked to a lot of places, but taking taxis is a cheap and easy option. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Even though we used taxis almost everyday, I didn't spend much at all. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | less than $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you want to buy gifts for others, make a list of who you want to buy for and ask that person if they have something in mind they want. That will prevent you from making an impulse purchase. You can barter prices really low, only pay 25-50% of the original asking price. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| 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? | Practice and do the drills and homework the teacher assigns. Try and integrate phrases or words into your everyday conversations with people in your group. It will help you and your friends to learn. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How hot it was going to be. I wish I had brought more tank tops. |
