Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A trial of patience and a journey of perspective. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/24/2018 to 06/08/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Hangzhou

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile, I can now say with confidence that Chinese is my second language.

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.

* 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

This program is the only way I will get my Chinese abilities to the level I ultimately hope to achieve.

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)

Food in China is particularly cheap compared to American prices

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring your student ID to all tourist sites and you'll get a half price ticket

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 full language pledge

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? Chinese 400
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? Stick to the pledge

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • my one-on-one class
  • no class on Fridays
  • GPS trip to rural area
* What could be improved?
  • Better extracurricular classes
  • longer time in rural area
  • another vacation trip like the one we all took to the beach
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's nearly impossible to buy deodorant in China

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

China's Agricultural Food Supply Chain
Course Department:
Instructor: Professor Lian
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: This was a one-on-one course for which I chose the topic of study. My professor was incredibly knowledgable of the subject material, prepared spectacular readings, and I learned so much about this subject of study that I am so passionate about.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Chinese History
Course Department:
Instructor: Professor Zhang
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: I learned a tremendous amount from this course -- this was the first opportunity I had to study Chinese history all the way from the dawn of Chinese civilization through each dynasty up until Qing's collapse.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Discussion of Chinese Social Issues
Course Department:
Instructor: Professor Lian
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: This course provided a great opportunity to learn more and talk a lot about issues in China like population, marriage, the environment, economic growth, international relations, and the trade war.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Hangzhou Studies
Course Department:
Instructor: Professor Lian
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: This course was a phenomenal opportunity to get out of the classroom and immerse myself in the city of Hangzhou, interviewing locals and visiting many interesting sites.
Credit Transfer Issues: