China was the best country I've ever visited Past Review

By (University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 03/03/2017 to 03/11/2017 with

University of Pittsburgh: Global Research Practicum in Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Visiting the a foreign city makes you appreciate other cultures

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff of the Asian Institute was enthusiastic and fun.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Hotels were great in both Beijing and Shanghai

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Shanghai and Beijing both felt safe

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

Shanghai and Beijing are huge cities and I would like to visit other areas

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)

Everything was affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than $100 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N/A

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

The staff taught us phrases and basics of the language.

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? None
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? Provide recommended readings on the language

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?
  • Sight seeing
  • Getting close with classmates
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Reduce bus rides
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Wish I was more fluent in the language

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 Networker
An 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.