Past Review
By Jessica P (Sociology., SUNY - Binghamton) for
Southwestern University of Finance and Economics: Chengdu - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I loved my study abroad experience. I am very happy that I actually decided to do this especially because I am a senior. I thought i was too late to study abroad but thankfully I was able to find this affordable program. The first day I got to China I did not even know how to hold chopsticks and now I consider myself a professional. sometimes I do not feel like using a fork anymore. The best thing I loved about China is that everything in their culture has a meaning. Everything has a purpose and a reason.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Winter 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned so much about the Chinese culture and traditions. I am glad that I learned through personal experience and not by reading an actual history textbook. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My campus was a little unfamiliar with this Winter program but they did the best they could. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
One week we stayed in a hotel and the other week we stayed in a dorm specialized for international students. <br /><br /> I loved the five star hotels, but I also enjoyed staying in the international housing on campus. I had a great time. |
| * Food: |
The quality of the food was great, but I am a picky person and I do not eat everything. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Most of the time we were just exploring or discovering China. We were socializing with other Chinese students and people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The hosts were always cautious and helpful. They were the best!! |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I actually did not spend much money. I think I only bought food twice and I was not able to shop alot. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I thought I was going to need more money but I did not. Everything was pretty much payed for us. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
At times I could hold the laughter because I knew I was saying or at least pronouncing everything wrong. Everyone was very helpful. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you would love to try real chinese food and experience the Chinese culture then go for it. I loved my experience. The plane ride is going to be long but at the end of the day it is worth it. |
