Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So glad I took this opportunity! Past Review

By (Utah State University) - abroad from 03/05/2019 to 05/19/2019 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 gained a better understanding of global business (we were there specifically to learn about different businesses in China). My favorite part was talking with our program coordinators and learning Chinese from them. I loved asking what their favorite words were or how to say certain phrases so that I could speak to others! It was so much fun!

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.

I loved it--such an educational experience! Since it was such an immersive program, I feel like I learned so much more than I would have in a classroom. Being there and learning about China was so much better than being in a classroom in the U.S., learning about China!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

The other choice I had was going to Europe. I love Europe, and I know a lot about it, but I've already spent a lot of time there. I didn't know that much about China, and I had never really thought about going. So, I decided to go to China to broaden my cultural experience, and I'm so glad I did! I love experiencing cultures different from my own, and being in China--meeting wonderful people and eating wonderful food--definitely made me want to go back. It was very worth a trip there, and I would go back in a heartbeat!

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? A lot of the food that we had was not really expensive. Also, you don't have to buy stuff at the market if you don't want to. I did buy a couple of expensive things, but the prices were so much better in China than they would have been in the U.S. that I didn't feel bad at all.

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? 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? In Chinese? I had never completed a course in Mandarin! I have, however, taken college-level Italian courses.
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? The absolute best way is to practice with someone who knows the language. Make a new friend or join a club--something that lets you experience talking and interacting in another 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

  • Other
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?
  • Interacting with the people
  • Visiting cool and historic sites
  • The food!
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of much. I really loved it!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known even more Chinese. I really only knew 10-12 phrases. I love communication, and it would have been really cool to interact even more with the local people, but that would have meant knowing more Chinese.

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!