Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had such an amazing time, I didn't want to go back home! Past Review

By (University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 03/07/2019 to 03/17/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was extremely worthwhile! I learned so many things about Chinese history and culture, while also learning more about China's role in the global economy and its role as a global industrial leader. I also made a lot of local friends who I'm still talking to weeks after the trip; I hope we all get to see each other again!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, I absolutely loved the educational experience. While this experience did not incorporate taking classes, it did teach me a lot about Chinese history and culture, as well as about China's industrial environment and the country's role in the global economy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration in China were absolutely fantastic, and they did everything they could to make sure our experience was as enjoyable and educational as possible. Everyone did an outstanding job!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotels were all very nice!

* Food:

The food was one of my favorite aspects of the trip. I loved just about everything I ate! We visited a wide variety of restaurants, and sampled many different kinds of Chinese dishes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We felt very integrated with the local culture. When we had free time, we visited local markets, shops, and restaurants, which really made us feel like we were part of society in our host country.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an experience with healthcare in China.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe at any point in time, and I was always comfortably navigating on my own or in small groups.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The INNOVATE trip is packed with different historical, cultural, and international business experiences. I enjoyed every aspect of the trip so much, that I would love to go back and experience everything a second time.

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)

Food was very inexpensive compared to food in the United States, and while I did purchase a few expensive souvenirs, inexpensive souvenirs and gifts are very easy to find.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food - about $30 total, other expenses about $120

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

At the beginning of the trip, we introduced ourselves in Chinese. Additionally, as we traveled, we would have opportunities to purchase items from people who did not speak English, so we s

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?
  • I felt extremely welcome as a visitor to China
  • Learning about and experiencing China's impressive history
  • The food was amazing!
* What could be improved?
  • I would love to have a bit more free time to explore on my own or with a group of friends.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would recommend packing as light as possible, as carrying a lot of bags (especially large ones) can be annoying. Make sure you bring a bag to hold all the souvenirs and gifts you get!

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!