The East Asian Experience Past Review

By (Austin College) - abroad from 02/19/2012 to 06/03/2012 with

SIT Study Abroad: China - Health, Environment, and Traditional Chinese Medicine

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to let things go and not be organized all the time. That realization alone made the trek to China worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

An incredible experience never to be forgotten.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All the administration were very helpful and insightful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our group was allowed to experience two homestays, one rural and one city, plus regular student dormitory life.

* Food:

Everything was delicious and mostly cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Had the opportunity to met amazing people and converse in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had stomach issues the first few days, but was well taken care of by the staff.

* Safety:

Not once did I feel my life was in jeopardy.

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)

I was provided with enough money to sustain myself.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 200 yuan
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not buy everything you see.

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

With my professors I mostly spoke Mandarin.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? Chinese 256: Advanced Chinese
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? Flashcards are great for memorization.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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 liked being in a new and exciting area.
* What could be improved?
  • I would like to see more money funded into this program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the level of Chinese I know now.