The Best 10 Days of my Life! Past Review

By (Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 03/03/2016 to 03/13/2016 with

University of Pittsburgh: China - INNOVATE, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Having never been outside the US before, the Innovate trip provided me a glimpse into an entirely different way of life. I got to meet amazing people from all different parts of the world and learn how they learn and apply the concepts of engineering and globalization.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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? Yes

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? $500

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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 People!
  • The University Visits
  • The Food!
* What could be improved?
  • Make the trip longer!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How easy it would be to communicate! I was a little nervous before embarking on the trip that the language barrier would be quite large. However, I learned very quickly that it would not be an issue at all! Almost every sign had an English translation and the Program Coordinators were with us every step of the trip in the case we needed any help with a translation.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.