Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best experience of my life. Past Review

By (University of Durham) - abroad from 08/04/2011 to 09/03/2011 with

China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learnt so much from my month abroad. Not only did I get a grasp of Chinese, I also gained important life experience and met some amazing people. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone!

Review Photos

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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.

Very intense but a great teacher and I improved a lot!

* 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?

Great opportunities to experience the culture and history.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was looked after incredibly well - I cut my arm open and was taken to hospital and looked after while I got stitches. The INTO China crew continued to accompany me to check-ups for the remainder of the trip.

* 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? $75

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We had Chinese language partners which were very helpful in using Chinese in every day life.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? DO work outside the lectures - it is difficult but very rewarding!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • INTO China people
  • Exciting outings
  • Making great friends
* What could be improved?
  • Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Authentic Chinese food is very different to English Chinese food!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!