An experience of a lifetime Past Review
By Samantha T (Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 07/05/2015 to 08/14/2015 with
University of Northern Iowa: Taipei - UNI Biology and Psychology Research in Taiwan
I learned a whole other side of culture and heritage. I had never been to Asia before and traveling to Taiwan was the perfect place to visit. I learned that you can gain so much culturally, personally, and academically if you open up your mind.
Review Photos
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. |
This trip was a wonderful experience. A great island to visit and immerse yourself in the Asian/Taiwanese culture! |
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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? |
Each of our dorms had their own bathroom, which was fantastic. They provided a bed with sheets and blankets along with a chair and desk. There was a ton of storage also. |
| * Food: |
There were so many different types of foods you can try! Over the course of 6 weeks I tried as many things as possible. |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
There was never a time when I felt unsafe. Everyone is extremely welcoming and helpful. |
| 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) |
Taiwan was quite cheap. Over the course of 6 weeks, I only spent around $1,200 (Which is insane). That included all the transportation, hotels, food, excursions, souvenirs, etc. Taiwan is a great place to go if you want to get the most for your money! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
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 |
The Chinese language course is extremely fast-paced and challenging at times, but beyond worth it. In the 6 weeks I was there, I had already learned the same amount of Chinese that some people learn in an entire semester to a year. The professor made it fun. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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? | I had only taken Spanish prior to this trip |
| 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? | Briefly go over vocabulary and notes after each class so the material stays fresh in your mind. Don't wait until an hour before class to cram everything. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | 10+ |
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 would have had a little bit of background in Chinese language before traveling there. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
