SIT China: Great People, Great Experience Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Wellesley College) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My program taught me more than I could have imagined about my host country, and put me in touch with people who I'll be in contact with for a long time. It was a very worthwhile experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program had a very independent, experiential feel to it. For the language instruction we had very small classes with fantastic instructors, but for the "seminars" on Chinese history, culture, and ethnic minorities we had guest lecturers rather than specific professors. I would have preferred to have a professor there to guide me through my learning rather than trying to piece things together through my own synthesis of a variety of speakers and experiences. Still, I learned a tremendous amount.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

social and cultural events were built into the program, so they were social but also academic

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I had a great experience the one time I visited a hospital... it was fast, the doctor spoke English and was very attentive. That being said, I was still sick for quite a while because it's hard to avoid digestive problems in such a different eating environment.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It's easy to live off of a little money, as food is inexpensive. but try to have a good spending stash just so you can make the most of your experience! how often do you go to china?!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chinese 102
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

The program was largely conducted in English and Chinese was primarily used in Chinese class or on your own in interactions with local Chinese people.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans