Fantastic Experience Past Review

By (International Business., University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 05/16/2012 to 10/07/2012 with

University of Texas - San Antonio: Honors College China Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes it was great, I really gained an appreciation/understanding of the Chinese culture, at least in the area we visited.

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.

The program was excellent from an educational standpoint. I was particularly pleased with the first hand experiences of cultural differences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotels were great, and the two rides on the overnight train were definitely an experience.

* Food:

The food was fantastic, I really liked learning to eat with chopsticks and trying all sorts of different dishes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Well we were obviously foreigners, but everyone was very friendly

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe during the program.

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)

Food and housing were provided, so the only cash I spent was for souvenirs.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30

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

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? Beginner

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • 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?
  • Food
  • Seeing a different culture
  • Going to historical places, great wall, terraccotta warriors
* What could be improved?
  • More adventorous food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring cough medicine