Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Taiwan was amazing! I had the trip of a lifetime. Past Review

By (Mandarin Chinese, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 07/01/2013 to 08/08/2013 with

National Chengchi University (NCCU): New Taipei City - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and my own capabilities. I learned to adapt to new situations that I was not familiar with. I would definitely say the trip was worthwhile, it was an experience I will never forget.

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

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? $150

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High School Spanish
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

  • 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?
  • I loved living in the International House with students from all over the world.
  • I loved the food in Taiwan.
  • I really enjoyed the cultural sites we visited.
* What could be improved?
  • Arrive earlier to allow for more adjustment period before classes start.
  • Better communication between the NCCU staff and UNI staff before the trip.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There's not a whole lot that I wish I knew beforehand. Nothing can truly prepare you for living in another country.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.