Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Noodles and New Things Past Review

By (University of Colorado - Boulder) - abroad from 05/15/2018 to 06/05/2018 with

University of Colorado Boulder: China - Discovering Urban China, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a confidence in my ability to navigate new places, cultures and languages and learned how kind and welcoming so many Chinese people are.

Review Photos

University of Colorado Boulder: China - Discovering Urban China, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo University of Colorado Boulder: China - Discovering Urban China, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo

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.

Our CU Boulder professor mostly taught the course, but I loved that Asia Institute staff sometimes sat in on classes and engaged with us about what we learned.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I ate most of the best meals that I have had in my life during those three weeks in China. The group meals were always fun and each one introduced me to something new!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Visiting the local universities was one of my favorite parts of the program. It is such a unique experience to have so many opportunities to connect with locals my own age during a short trip.

* 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? Yes

Applying to this program was one of the best choices I have ever made.

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? $125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't waste money on fancy ice cream, tea or coffee. There are amazing things at convenience stores!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • Visits to local universities
  • The multi-city traveling component
  • The guidance from both our profressor and locals from AI
* What could be improved?
  • Navigation in Hangzhou
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That language barriers are easier to overcome than I expected.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.