Studying Abroad in Xi'an Past Review
By Christian S (Chinese Studies, Business, Trinity University) for
China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Yes, it was very worthwhile. I learned more about how my mind works and how the Chinese view different issues
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was a very valuable experience, both in learning the language and learning about the culture |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Although things were difficult to change due to slow response times from the Chinese side, the US side of the administration was very responsible and focused on giving us everything we needed |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was in a very good part of the city and right on campus. |
| * Food: |
The food was good. Much better than I expected |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was a very valuable experience, especially traveling to Gansu and Xinjiang |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It was very safe. There was very little crime (apart from pickpocketing) and it was never directed at foreigners |
| 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? | About 50-60 kuai so less than $10 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just be prepared for any sort of unexpected expenses such as unplanned excursions |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Speak with every one that you are able. My language skill improved mostly through daily conversations than through class times |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | Be prepared for a rigorous study experience. If you are looking more to party and have fun while in China, go to Beijing or Shanghai instead of Xi'an |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Chinese Art History |
| Course Department: | Art History |
| Instructor: | Tracy Mian |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Very good overview class dealing with Chinese art, both ancient and modern |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
| Course Name/Rating: |
The Silk Road: Yesterday and Today |
| Course Department: | Anthropology |
| Instructor: | Andrew Womack |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | It was very informative in that we learned both about the historical Silk Road and the modern Silk Road as well |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | None |
