Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Truly an Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (University of the Pacific) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 07/01/2013 with

ISEP Direct: Chengdu - Study Abroad at Sichuan University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Even though everything is different, there remains basic similarities. All urban cities are easy enough to adapt to. It's very rewarding and fun to gain some confidence in your language skills. Studying abroad was definitely a worthwhile experience.

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? 350
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat like the locals.

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? Intermediate
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? Intermediate Chinese (4th semester)
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? Make local friends or other friends you can only communicate with in the language you're learning and hang out with them a lot.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Friends
  • Food
  • New environment
* What could be improved?
  • Let students choose from different housing options from beginning
  • Informing students attending Sichuan University about things like student meal cards
  • Students should be able to move between Beginner's 1, 2, and 3 language classes and get credit for it instead of only getting credit for going from Beginning to Intermediate or Intermediate to Advanced.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The air quality in Chengdu is not a whole lot better than Beijing's. Qunar.com is a good site for buying cheap Chinese plane tickets, but you'll need a Chinese person's help to navigate the site and pay. There is no free campus-wide wifi.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!