Chengdu -- spicy food, friendly people, good times abound Past Review
By Kaia D (Chinese Studies, ) for
Pacific Lutheran University: Chengdu - PLU Gateway Program in China
Living in Chengdu cultivated my interest in China -- I am thankful to have been able to make connections, learn about Chinese culture, and I hope to return after graduation to continue my endeavors in Chinese language.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Sichuan University |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
While in Chengdu we stayed in the foreign students dorm. Although some might say that the dorms could be remodeled, I feel that we were very fortunate to share a room with just one other student-- with the use of our own bathroom. Normal students at the university typically live eight to a room. If you ignore the mosquitoes, cockroaches, black mold, and other aspects that made life a little less than comfortable, it was a great place to be. The dormitory is in close proximity of restaurants, clubs, and bars. It is also a three minute walk from the overseas student building-- where we attended classes. |
| * Food: |
We were given a meal stipend-- this was great. We could choose to make food in the dormitory or go out to eat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
One of the highlights of this program is spending time in Tibet. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced language primarily with my Chinese friends in Chengdu. This helped me to improve my fluency and better understand Chinese culture first-hand. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you're looking for adventure and a study away trip in which things are affordable, chengdu is good place to be. It cultivated my love for Chinese culture and helped me to improve my conversational skills in Chinese. |
