A unique balance of field-based learning and cultural immersion Past Review
By paige.wong.71 (Biochemistry/Pre-Med, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/10/0013 to 07/22/0013 with
SIT Study Abroad: China - Community Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine (Summer)
New friendships and connections all over the country and globe; Familiarization of a unique approach to medicine and health care system of a fast-growing nation; Great improvement in Chinese and being able to use it in a realistic situation; Definitely worthwhile!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very well structured with accessible supplemental materials and instructors; Great balance of academics mixed with exploration of the culture/country you are immerse in; assignments were manageable and pertained to the material; great hands-on experience offered/field-based learning was a fresh and well-received; However, some lecturers, though credible, did not speak English as well as it was necessary to get the full experience of their lecture |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very accommodating and approachable; Had clearly thought out all possible problems students would encounter and had organized and effective solutions |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Stayed at a traveler's hotel; very accommodating and comfortable; Each room housed two students |
| * Food: |
Delicious! Tended on the spicy side. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Was given much opportunity to explore city and culture on own; The majority of which you immersed yourself was dependent on you; Given great recommendation by staff on how to expose yourself more to the local culture |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Immediately dealt with and always had medical professional on call; However, most likely will use TCM (alternative medicine) to treat illness first unless it is a dire circumstance or if the student insists |
| * Safety: |
Always had staff available to call for help; I myself did not encounter any threatening situations, especially if you followed safety rules set by the program and are cautious; Had a security guard on guard every night in front of the hotel |
| 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) |
3.5 |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food/personal care items are a must; budget on your own personal spending/souvenirs |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | CHI507 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Go out with other students and try to communicate with locals or attend local events made especially for casual language practice at foreigner-friendly establishments |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How the feel of the city I was living in was |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
