The best business I have ever payed for. Past Review

By (Graphic Design., Corning Community College) - abroad from 12/03/2012 to 02/07/2013 with

Mandarin Taiwan Study Abroad: Semester, Summer and Individual Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worth it to come here. I learned so much about Taiwanese culture and because there were so many international students, I learned a lot about many other countries also.

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:

Food in Taiwan is the best. There is always something new to try.

* 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)

It's very affordable here.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent maybe $100us a week and was still able to go out and enjoy the city life.

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? course 1
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? Keep taking the classes so you can learn as many words as possible. Otherwise you will find yourself frustrated with communicating. Just keep studying and you will get it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • the classes
  • the culture
  • the food
* What could be improved?
  • nothing. It was great.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? MTSA did such a great job preparing me for the program that I don't feel like I missed anything.