Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Brief Glimpse of Asia(It Was Amazing) Past Review

By (Utah State University) - abroad from 05/29/2016 to 06/20/2016 with

Utah State University: USU Go Global Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned and experienced a lot. I have a better world view and learned about myself as well. People group all of that region of the world as Asian, like they are all the same, but there are many different types of people living there. Each with their own history, culture, and story. To be part of this program was definitely of the best decisions I have made

Review Photos

Utah State University: USU Go Global Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo Utah State University: USU Go Global Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo Utah State University: USU Go Global Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo Utah State University: USU Go Global Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes leading up to the trip were really intense. Once on the trip though we used and saw everything we discussed in class and were able to apply it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our on-site program manager was amazing. She did a lot of behind the scenes work to make sure everything went without a hitch, and if something happened she was on top of the situation right away. The program coordinator who took over for the China part of the trip was also quite friendly and helped a lot.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed at various 5 star hotels throughout our trip, which in Asia, was actually fairly cheap. The service, utilities, and breakfasts were great.

* Food:

I thoroughly enjoyed the food everywhere we went. Some people were a little put off with some things like hot pot or traditional Cantonese dishes, but at least we got to experience a lot of new things, many of which were surprisingly delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In Vietnam we were able to meet local students and our tour guide did a great job of helping us understand what life was like there. In Thailand it was another great guide and another fun group of students. China was the only country I felt was a little lacking on that front, but our professors and on-site representative did a good job of informing us about things.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Many of us had traveled before and had brought medicine from the United States. I think everybody had to take off a day at some point and rest at the hotel. The only big issue was someone got bad travel sickness, and they got taken care of promptly.

* Safety:

I think if people remember to always have a partner, and don't be stupid, they will be fine. The most sketchy thing that happened to me and some friends were the taxis in Bangkok. While there you have to ask them if they use their meter, and if they say no, find a new taxi(it isn't hard, they are everywhere). Also make sure that the taxi is taking you to the right place. We had our taxi driver take us to the wrong place and it was super sketchy(pretty sure he gets paid a commission for bringing people there).

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

As long as the businesses that were visited were different I would go again.

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)

Asia is super cheap when it comes to food usually, especially if you take the time to find out where the locals eat. If you get tired of Asian food there are many American restaurants there as well, though they are closer to American pricing.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50$-100$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find out where the locals eat for cheap delicious food. When buying souvenirs, haggle like your life depended on it. Look up some tips to help you successfully haggle. Most places in Asia expect haggling, and if you cut the cost of the item in half, it is probably still overpriced. Many foreigners feel uncomfortable haggling, but you can get really great deals if you stick it out.Just try and cut the price, and they will usually lower their initial offering quite easily.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • Daisy - our on site representative
  • The food - American Chinese food can't compare
  • The people - everywhere they were way friendly
* What could be improved?
  • Adding interactions with locals in China
  • USU to help students with tickets
  • Some of the business visits were dissappointing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to haggle properly.

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!