Study Abroad = Language Confidence Past Review
By Madison R (Chinese Studies, University of Tulsa) - abroad from 01/21/2015 to 05/18/2015 with
China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
The most worthwhile part of the program was the drastic improvement in my Chinese skills and becoming comfortable with a new country and city.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The mandatory Chinese class was certainly the best way to improve my Chinese - my Chinese language ability improved so much with the help of the professors. I only give four stars because we had virtually no choice in what courses we wished to take outside of Chinese. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Typical dorm building; had some roommate issues Alliance was unwilling to resolve because of the small program size |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Experienced no health issues, neither did anyone else on the program. |
| * Safety: |
Never felt threatened or in danger, but watch out for cars! |
| 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) |
Easy to keep expenses at a bare minimum - if necessary to eat cheaply a meal at the cafeteria can cost 3 kuai (.50 cents) if you are frugal. Of course Beijing has an expensive side, particularly nightlife, so it is possible to spend a lot of money if desired. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat in the cafeteria, avoid buying imported foods and eating at Western chain restaurants. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Chinese Microblogging |
| 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? | Find some way to get involved in the community, speak with your language partner, and try to speak Chinese outside of class with program participants. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew about the lack of English course options |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
