Past Review

By (Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services., SUNY - Binghamton) for

Southwestern University of Finance and Economics: Chengdu - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I built friendships which would not be possible if it weren't for this program. I keep in contact with our hosts and I am eager for them to come to our country so I could treat them with the same warmth they did to us. The Great wall was amazing and I'm still at awe that I went there. This is one of the best things I have done in my life.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Winter 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

They were patient with what they taught us but also they made sure we understood the material and they made it interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The professors were always available for us. The program's weakness was that we didn't get enough time to explore the city on our own. Since it was only two weeks everything was crammed and we didn't get time to breathe. Overall it was a great experience

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For one week it was at a hotel and the second week it was on campus in the foreign guest house. <br /><br /> Everything was great except that it was really cold.

* Food:

It was new to me but I learned to love vegetables and peanuts. I would recommend more shrimp and chicken.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The time that we got to go out on our own was amazing because we had to use the knowledge of the language on our own, it was different.

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200 american dollars a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Only buy things you'll really use. Don't go on a spending frenzy but things are more affordable over there.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Its one of the greatest decisions you will make. This country is rich in history and you will meet amazing people while being there.