Past Review
By Kerrie Y (International Relations and Chinese, Tufts University) for
Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in China
Yes it was worthwhile. I learned that China is not as communist as some people think it is. Some students were very open minded and admitted that the government has made many mistakes and needs to be reformed.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Zhejiang University |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
A lot of the classes required you to study on your own. However, there was little to no homework and you didn't really have to study until exams came around. However, the teachers were excellent at explaining things in Chinese. So even though I didn't study as hard as I should have, I still learned a lot 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? |
Single dorm with a personal bathroom. Small but sufficient space to live in. <br /><br /> Dorms were clean and on campus. |
| * Food: |
Although there is no kitchen to cook your own food, food in general was really cheap and delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It's really easy to go out to bars because cabs are cheap. Also, all the international students like to go out together so it's always a blast. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Jay has magic Chinese herbal drugs that will make you feel better immediately. His wife and mother are also doctors so he knows a significant amount about medicine. China is also relatively safe. Someone's laptop got stolen but that was the only crime-related incident that I heard of while I was there. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Bring as much money as you're willing to spend on things besides necessities. The stipend more than covers your basic needs. I only spent $100 of my own money. However, I know people who didn't spend any of their own money and also bought souvenirs. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are open minded and willing to experience new things, this is the right program for you. |
