Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Good Past Review

By (Wesleyan University) - abroad from 08/31/2018 to 11/26/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Linguistic, cultural, societal immersion. Yes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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)

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Immersion in many aspects (culture, language)
  • Instructors' knowledge and experience (not only of language but world knowledge)
  • Program administration/flexibility
* What could be improved?
  • Diversity of perspective
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How it feels to be in a 4-month-long program with an all-American, majority white student body who has less familiarity with Chinese/Asian culture. It couldn't be helped and there was no animosity or unfriendliness, but it definitely shaped the general class atmosphere and social dynamic.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'