Faculty led program to Tsinghua University Past Review

By (History and Government, The University of Texas at Austin) for

University of Texas - Austin: Beijing - Government Maymester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved my class and I got a great understanding of a country in which I have had a lifelong interest.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Tsinghua University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Professor Trubowitz did a good job. Some of the field trips were absolutely pointless, specifically the visit to a state-owned enterprise and the visit to the military museum.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Tsinghua was a nice place to study. I did not interact with administrators.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Building 20. <br /><br /> I was glad to have a proper toilet (not a squatter) but the dorms were pretty dirty. Overall I was satisfied with the dorms though.

* Food:

I thought the food was delicious. If you don't like Chinese food, don't study in China.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All the field trips taught me something about Chinese culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Everyone had over half of their meal card money left. Reduce the meal card balance because it is twice as high as it needs to be. The program should include airfare and everyone should travel together from Austin on one flight.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be open minded.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

US-China Relations

Course Department: GOV 365N
Instructor: Trubowitz, P.
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The lectures were fantastic and the difficulty was appropriate for a maymester course. It definitely made use of the location. The best field trips were to historic sites. All other field trips were not helpful. I would rate the professor as exemplary. My performance in class was the same as it would be in the States.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes the credit will transfer. I would recommend this class to other students.