Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Virtual Taiwanese Summer Language Program Past Review

By (Macalester College) - abroad from 06/22/2020 to 08/14/2020 with

American Councils (ACTR): Taiwan Intensive Summer Language Program (TISLP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Advanced my Chinese communication skills immensely.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Placement level test puts you in either Intermediate, High Intermediate or Advance classes. I felt that I was put at the appropriate level that still challenges me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great Admin support

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Virtual programing

* Food:

Virtual programing

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Got a language partner that was great for social and cultural integration virtually.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Virtual programing

* Safety:

Virtual programing

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)

Virtual program so not applicable

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

Used Chinese everyday even when virtual

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? Second Year Chinese
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Study!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • Instructors
  • Language Partner
  • One-on-one classes
* What could be improved?
  • MyET homework assignments
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Familiarizing myself with the Taiwanese accent because it threw me off slightly when the program began.

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!