Challenging but rewarding Past Review
By Rose M (Composition & Rhetoric, Savannah State University) for
Savannah State University: Traveling - Study Abroad in China
I was able to arrange an interchange between the Savannah State students and Chinese college students. Both groups enjoyed the session and met again later for "hanging out." Also, I focused more on Chinese culture with the assignments, which meant that students gained more from their experiences.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | N/A |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
As a professor trying to accomodate students who desired a study abroad, I took on three different classes, which was too much--even though I did give each class individual attention. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Although we had access to our university website, there were sometimes challenges with getting internet access or having someone coming to fix it for us. The challenge was especially apparent in the university's guest house, where we had to pay for internet cards that didn't always work. It was better in the last two housing situation. Also, copying and printing were not always available in each place. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
As mentioned earlier, the guest house had nice furniture but internet was difficult. The second hotel was better and the hotel in Beijing (apartment hotel) was the best. It had a washing machine and furnished kitchenette in the one-bedroom suite. The person coordinating the Shanghai arrangements was very helpful and supported our move. |
| * Food: |
several restaurants were nearby housing establishments in Beijing and Shanghai. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We saw several attractions--museums, traditional garden, business centers (TV station) and man-made beach besides the aquarium and a historic town in Shanghai, as well as enjoyed a night cruise along the famous river. We also visited the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tianamen Square, and Summer Palace in Beijing. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
One student apparently had sinus problems and there was a pharmacy around the corner from our hotel. We purchased medicine but language barriers were a problem and she finally had to get the problem resolved upon her return home. The others suffered minor stomach problems were dissapated over a day's time. |
| 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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students should bring some supplemental food and eat only one big meal a day. The food money was more plentiful but eating out, even in China, can still be expensive. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
English Composition I |
| Course Department: | ENGL 1101 |
| Instructor: | Rose Metts |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | It was challenging but I would have liked to spend more time with this group. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No. |
