Truly Life Changing! Past Review

By A student (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/31/2017 to 12/16/2016 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Hangzhou

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

A gained a new knowledge of self, a new love for the Chinese culture, and an improved set of language skills! It was definitely worthwhile and I wish I could do it all over again!

Review Photos

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Hangzhou Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

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 The program was well developed and organized from academics to extracurriculars to roommates! The number of students in the program was perfect as well.

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?	$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Look into money conversions and come to the country with some converted cash on hand. Also be sure to check with native college students about prices on certain items so that you don't get gypped.

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	We had a language pledge, which in my view was a wonderful concept! It really helped my language growth and quick transition to the country itself.
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?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	3 out of 4
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?	Be consistent and use it anywhere you go, even with other study abroad students! That is the only way you can really improve your language!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans
* 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?	10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Language Pledge/Academics Extracurriculars Organized The Local University Students Roommates
* What could be improved?	Living Conditions More Academic Field Trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	How fast it will go, so to enjoy it while it lasts!

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 Networker An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Discussion and Debate
Course Department:	MiC Hangzhou
Instructor:	Lian Laoshi
Instruction Language:	Chinese
Comments:	Yes, it was challenging as this was my first time discussing and debating social issues and topics in such depth. We had a field trip to a local university where we discussed in Chinese with current university students about social issues and topics in China vs. America. The teacher was incredibly knowledgeable and very well-prepared. We were given weekly packets with readings, vocabulary lists, and grammar patterns to assist us for the debate and discussion in class. I participated in class a bit more than I would have at my home institution. The class only had 4 students, including me, so students were much more prompted to speak up in class with not just the professor but more so with the other students. We were assessed with daily oral quizzes and biweekly debates.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No, I am a Middlebury College student so the credits were automatically transferred.