China, a Trip that Almost Did not Happen Past Review
By Yakub S (Mass Communication, Savannah State University) for
Savannah State University: Traveling - Study Abroad in China
No textbook, video or pictures could have given me the cultural experiences I witness in China. Observing the way the people China lived there lives was a mind opening experience. It was so much history to learn about this country and it changed outlook on college. I was a student who just graduated from high school, afraid of college and its expectations. After studying abroad I was ready for college. It was an experience I still talk about today and I have plans to visit another country in the future.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Dr. Metts was an excellent host from SSU. She helped me adjust to China, I recommend her because she is concern about the students and want us to learn about China’s culture. The host in China was also excellent; it may the trip far away from home bearable |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expetations was met beyound what I expected |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Prior to coming to China I came prepared with all the items I needed. A list was given to me on the item needed in China before I left the USA |
| * Food: |
I am a picky eater and I do not like tea. Not liking tea in China is not good because that is what they drink in China. Chinese food in America is nothing like China. Bring some tums you might be eating at McDonalds a lot. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There are so many activities and things to see in China. It is a fascinating country. By far the greatest attraction was the Great Wall of China. You got to see it to believe it. While you are there please leave your mark on the Great Wall you will be a part of history. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Fortunately, I was in excellent health prior to leaving the US. I went to the doctor and had an examination. As for safety always stay with your group, you should be fine. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | When I took the trip to China I just graduated from high school. My mother encouraged me to “Study Abroad” and I am glad she did. If you have the opportunity to go abroad, go do not hesitate. It would broaden your mind and you would appreciate the USA more. I learned a lot when I visited China and would not mind going back there. I benefitted from going to another country; it is an experience you will never forget. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
English |
| Course Department: | English 1101 |
| Instructor: | Dr. Rose Metts |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | English 1101 was very challenging we had to turn in assignments daily and write blogs about our experiences. We went on several trips and had to take notes as part of our assignments we wrote every day. Dr. Metts was very knowledgeable about English and she prepared us prior to leaving the USA. I participated in the class more often than in my home institution because we went on a lot of field triips that contributed to our assignments. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
