Past Review
By Jianzhong C (Biology, General., SUNY - Binghamton) for
Southwestern University of Finance and Economics: Chengdu - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My study abroad experience was worthwhile. It was the best study abroad program one can ever have done. I gained leaderships skills from it by helping the program directors giving out instructions. I also gained communication skills as I helped other students translate.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Sichuan Agricultural University |
| The term and year this program took place: | Winter 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I agree the old Chinese proverb, "Travelling a thousand miles is better than reading ten thousand books." |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program director was an optimistic, helpful, and kind person. He was always there to encourage students to open to a different culture and participate in cultural events. He worked tirelessly to facilitate the building of long-lasting friendship between the U.S. and China. His only weakness was that he was not well accustomed to the local climate and foods. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a roommate who also participated in this program. We lived in the Special Guest Dormitory, in a spacious, two bed room which had a tv, nice furnitures, and a nice view of the campus. <br /><br /> I was very satisfied with my housing in China. We were given the best accomodations possible. |
| * Food: |
I am very pleased with the meals offered. I enjoyed trying the different kinds of Chinese foods that I had never tried and it was a really rich and amazing experience. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The overall social and non-academic aspects of the program was very enriching and entertaining. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe for most part of the program, although I was a little nervous walking in the streets, especially at night. The traffic in China seems chaotic, yet it flows quite freely. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I was informed of all the expenses. The program covered all the living expenses, food, and lodging. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My Chinese language skills improved significantly as a direct result of this program. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you want to experience the maximal cultural experience in the desired country, you should try to learn some basics of the language and communicate with the local people in their own native tongue. |
