Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great look into a new culture Past Review

By (Business Information Systems, Oregon State University) - abroad from 06/22/2012 to 07/22/2012 with

INTO China - Tianjin: Nankai University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really got a look into a culture that I'd only ever really seen in movies before. I was able to learn about the cultural differences and also how much of a barrier that language can present. It was definitely worthwhile and I would love to be able to go back.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

As a group we really enjoyed traveling to new areas of the city to eat and that added up really quickly cost wise but was a really great experience.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy everything the first time you see it, especially regarding souvenirs, because you are most likely going to see it somewhere else for a better price.

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
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? Take taxis.

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
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?
  • When we had free time to explore
  • Some of the culture classes
  • Overall classroom experience
* What could be improved?
  • More free time/less structured schedule
  • Local students living in the same dorm
  • More opportunity to interact with other groups of students (local and foreign)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew to bring a raincoat.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.