Great First China Experience! Past Review
By Gillian S. (University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 03/07/2019 to 03/17/2019 with
University of Pittsburgh: China - INNOVATE, Hosted by the Asia Institute
I learned to be open to other cultures and making new friends, and to be open to trying new things and thinking in different ways. Even though it was expensive, it was definitely worth the cost.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall, a first great experience in China. Great balance between educational and fun activities. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Asia Institute, especially the student program coordinators, were extremely accommodating and helpful! They are what made the trip so enjoyable and easy. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hotels were very nice. |
| * Food: |
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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: |
I never felt unsafe, even when walking about in groups in the city at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The trip was very well coordinated, and had the right balance of schedule and flexibility, fun and education, high energy activities and down time. Would highly recommend! |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | No, in fact, don't be afraid to spend a little when you are in China! Everything is relatively cheap, and the stuff makes for great souvenirs and gifts. |
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 |
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| 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? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | Talk to to friends and classmates who know the language. |
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? |
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? | That I should have brushed up on some mandarin so I could have interacted more with the local people. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
