A newer program with potential Past Review

By (Chinese Studies., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/05/2014 to 08/19/2014 with

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University / XJTLU: Suzhou - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that you get what you put in. It was definitely worthwhile,but I will say that there are areas where it can be improved upon.

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 quality of the Chinese language courses offered is definitely not the best. My class (level 4) had A LOT of kids, so it was hard for the teacher to give us individual attention. Furthermore, the teachers didn't assign much homework and didn't grade the few assignments that we did receive. That was not only detrimental because so much of our final grade depended on how we did in the final, but it also made it hard for us to track our progress. It was a very casual and laid back atmosphere, but the rigor & intensity weren't there in my opinion. All in all, I didn't feel like the teachers cared about me as an individual student.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program coordinator in China, Xu Laoshi, is very caring and always does what she can to help us!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Foreign students live in the school's hotel, which is nice because there are maids that come in and clean your room for you everyday, but isn't so great in that you are separated from the actual Chinese college students. It's fun interacting with other foreigners, of course, but I wish we'd been more integrated in the actual Chinese college.

* Food:

Food's pretty good. There are only 2 cafeterias, but there's plenty of options, so you're usually bound to find something you like!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living in the hotel instead of living in dorms made me feel a little more excluded than I would have hoped. My classes also weren't with Chinese students, they were with other international students, so most of my interaction with the local culture was due to activities I did on my own, not with the group. It's not at all impossible to become really immersed, but I think it definitely depends on the individual.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a school hospital almost right next to the school's hotel, but try to bring your own medicine if possible (it'll save you money, and that way you'll also know what medicine you're consuming)

* Safety:

Generally speaking, Xi'an is a pretty safe place. Nevertheless, I have to admit that my bike was stolen on Shi Da Lu, the college street where most students hang out. Furthermore, two of my classmates also had accidents where some of their valuables got stolen. So I'd say be aware that theft does occur, and take good care of your things, but don't be fearful that Xi'an is unsafe. The campus and the city feel pretty safe, especially for being Chinese cities.

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)

Xi'an is very cheap, if you live frugally you can eat each of your meals for 5-10 kuai a day, so I'd say you can probably eat for 35 dollars a week at the least (since food isn't paid for by the program). Taking into account personal costs, and costs incurred over the weekends of by going out by friends, I'd say it might cost you upwards of $50 depending on how much you go out and where you choose to eat.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at the dinning halls, that will save you money. Check the price of restaurants before you go, same with Cafe's.

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 program didn't "encourage" us to use the language that much, per say, because we're all at different levels so it was hard for them to set a standard which we all had to follow. So compared with programs that have language pledges, for example, this program was mediocre when it comes to that.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chinese 203 (Advanced Intermediate Chinese)
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? Make local friends!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Travel
  • Host Families
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Quality of classes
  • Efficiency (in several ways)
  • Internship Opportunities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The opportunity cost of not being able to work for a full semester and a summer. The program provides considerable scholarship, and a stipend, but the fact that they don't allow you to work for the 8 months that you are here makes it hard to afford the experience if you are on financial aid like I am. Furthermore, of the generous stipend that you are provided with, only about 2/3 is given to you at the beginning of the program. The other 1/3 of it is given to you upon completion of the program, which (it sounds like) for my class won't be until a few months after we arrive in the U.S. I wish the rest of the stipend was provided closer to the end of the program, because heading back to the U.S. soon, I am realizing how not working like I regularly do has negatively impacted me financially.

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!