Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A mixed experience Past Review

By (Chinese, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/19/2013 to 05/30/2014 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Hangzhou

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think it was an overall worthwhile experience, but it depends on the atmosphere of the program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The lecture-based and follow the leader teaching methods for the language classes were ineffective.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was overall satisfactory. At some points there was a lack of communication and organization.

* 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? N/A

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? 202
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The best way to improve is by speaking with native speakers. Try to get off campus and speak with people outside the program as well. Or participate in events on campus.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Chinese roommates
  • Location
  • Light course load
* What could be improved?
  • Teaching methods
  • Accommodations
  • Integration into host university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The campus is in an industrial part of town rather far away from the center of the city. Also, we live in the international students' dorm and aren't that integrated with the host university.

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!