A great introductory experience to China and all that it has to offer! Past Review

By (Chemical Engineering., Colorado State University) - abroad from 07/06/2012 to 08/04/2012 with

INTO China - Tianjin: Nankai University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely a worthwhile experience, I made many new friends and learned a lot. While China was never top on my list of places to visit, after this experience I can't wait to go back!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Beijing Foreign Studies University
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.

* 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:

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)

* 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? 50 (eating out by choice)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Comparatively China is very cheap, just don't get sucked into places like the Silk Market, people get addicted to bartering for things they don't need

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner

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

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The emphasis on both the language and the culture (sites, cuisine, and local everyday life)
* What could be improved?
  • Time allotted for fieldtrips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To bring hand sanitizer for use after the public bathrooms