Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was the most trying, but most rewarding, trip of my life. Past Review

By (Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences., University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 07/09/2014 to 08/14/2014 with

University of Northern Iowa: Dongguan - UNI Summer Camp in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to adapt quickly and to learn to take whatever comes at you. I think it was worthwhile and I learned more than I thought I would, but possibly for the wrong reasons.

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is easy to save money if you don't think you have to buy something from every place you visit. Be conscious of how much money you are spending overall.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? first semester of Chinese language
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't be afraid to talk with the locals. It is the fastest and best way to learn.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 opportunity to teach
  • the touring sites
  • the freedom to do what we wanted
* What could be improved?
  • It could be more organized
  • Student leaders could act more like leaders
  • Stricter rules for disobedience and goofing-off of the traveling students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known more about how we were going to teach so that I did not have to make my lesson plans every night before being able to sleep.

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 Linguist
You 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!