China- an experence of a life time Past Review

By (Business Administration, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville) for

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (SIUE): Traveling - Business Program to China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I understand the Chinese culture and business so much better by being there than I ever would have through a class or books. I learned alot about myself from being on the trip with people I did not know very well before we left for the trip.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt there was a very diferse academic workload. We did journals daily answering questions that were business related, we worked with the Xiamen students on work diversity and we mainly learned alot about Chiness business and culture by just exploring.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very prepared and helped us when needed but also knew when to let us go off on our own to explore and learn on our own

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Shanghai and Xiamen were in perfect locations, Beijing I did not feel was in the best location but it was a clean hotel so it wasnt to bad

* Food:

Chinese food is amazing and Tom knew the best stuff to order for us. If I would change anything it would be for me to order on my own so I have a better idea as to how to order and use the language

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One of my favorite days was going to the Earth Houses with the Xiamen students. It was also fun going out in the evening and experiencing Chinese night life

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt more safe in all the Chinese cities than in St. Louis or any other US city I have visited. One thing I could not believe in Shanghai was the lack of homeless/ baggers on the street- they were no where to be seen. The only place I felt uncomfortable was in the Expo lines with people pushing and standing right next to you.

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

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? GO!!! Yes it costs alot of money but you will not get this oppurtunity to see so much with that budget. The professors on the trip know what they are doing and can speak with the locals. It really is a once in a life time experience!