Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad is one of the most worthwhile experiences you can give yourself Past Review

By (International Business, John Carroll University) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 05/08/2015 with

The Beijing Center: Semester and Full Year Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience was extremely worthwhile, I learned patience, understanding, and how to become more confident.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing options were not well communicated prior to arriving at the school. I felt the extra money I had paid for the apartment living was a waste.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The students who attend this program become kind of sheltered in a bubble of the other american students. You get to know other Chinese people who help with the program but you don't get to meet other students at the host university really.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? About 100 dollars each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The local food is much cheaper than international food. There are tons of restaurants around the campus you will be able to find something different that you can enjoy while also saving some money!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chinese 301
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? Use it everywhere, only use English if you legitimately can't communicate with someone. Force yourself out of your comfort zone and use the language because you will be so much happier at the end that you did.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The two week excursion through the southern Yunnan province of China
  • Dr. Frank Hawke's "China in the World Economy Class"
  • The Chinese classes and professors
* What could be improved?
  • A little less administrative hand holding and meetings
  • More time for students to explore and travel within China
  • I like more independent programs with freedom to meet more people outside of the boundaries established. Sometimes it felt less like a "study abroad" program and more of a normal American university in China.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To take things as they come and to stay patient. Not everything is black and white like it appears and rather than judging something at first glance, spend time experiencing the process of things before putting a label on it.