Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Beyond What I Could Ever Imagine Past Review

By (Bio-medical Sciences, Colorado State University) - abroad from 08/07/2013 to 07/06/2013 with

INTO China - Tianjin: Nankai University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There wasn't a single day that I didn't learn something new and exciting. My life was an adventure, consistently surprising me with each and every turn. I Have learned what it is truly like to be outside of my own comfort zone, and welcomed into the world of another. Each passing day continuously increased my understanding of another "world" and was cultured in ways I could never have imagined. I loved my experience, and I am eager to return to learn even more.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In an experience like this, I don't think saving money is an issue at all!

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? Intermediate
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? Talk to everyone you possibly can. People are more than willing to listen.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The people
  • Food
  • Intensity of the language program
* What could be improved?
  • Master Classes
  • Tutoring
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One thing I wish I had spent more time on prior to leaving, is grasping the taboo concepts of the culture, and how to be polite according to Chinese culture.

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.