Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Feels like I left a part of myself back in Hangzhou Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Hangzhou

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
All the cheesy, cliche stuff they say about experiences abroad are true! I gained a newfound love for the Chinese language and culture and people, I made meaningful friendships, and I learned more about myself.

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.

Amazing educational experience, exceptional teachers. If you're serious about improving your Chinese, this is one of the very best programs to participate in.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very accessible and responsive. Super easy to contact (walking into an office, sending a text/WeChat message, writing an email).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Satisfactory. Not luxurious or new. Dorms are a bit old, but are clean and well-kept for the most part. I know some of my peers were very unhappy about our living situations. I didn't mind. I just decided to be proactive about cleaning my bedroom and bathroom on my own at least weekly. Otherwise, I probably would've been unhappy too.

* Food:

Convenient and very affordable in China. A couple cafeterias within 5 minute walks from the dorms, as well as a small street nearby with restaurants and food carts (though I've heard it'll be removed soon).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Loved my local roommate, made a lot of local friends in and out of the program. Plenty of opportunities to experience Chinese culture through program-arranged activities and field trips, but also free time to explore and initiate interaction on my own. Still spent majority of my time with study abroad students though (in class, eating meals, doing homework, etc).

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had issues with mosquito/bug bites and infections, and the assistant director personally accompanied me to a nearby hospital 15 minutes away from the campus. No other significant issues.

* Safety:

Hangzhou felt amazingly safe. I don't think I've ever felt so safe walking alone on the streets at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would do it over and over and over again, without changing anything about my experience. I met the most amazing people, made really close life-long friends, and I feel like I left my heart in Hangzhou. I will definitely return to visit as soon as I get the chance to.

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)

I could very easily spend under 40rmb (< $7) on any given day for a solid breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That's about $35 per week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

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?
  • The people (staff, locals, peers)
  • Language pledge (huge impact on my Chinese)
* What could be improved?
  • Housing conditions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How fast time flies. Savor it while you can. You won't believe how short three and a half months feel.

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!