Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A more complete view of China Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 08/25/2012 to 12/07/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Nanjing - China Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. I gained knowledge of history, culture, customs, and most of all language. My eyes were opened to the experience of millions of people who live in a very different way than I am accustomed to. I gained empathy, and patience with others.

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 classes taught by university staff were amazing and rigorous, the ones taught by our teacher were somewhat less so.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There was no help from the program finding living arrangements. We were told to find housing, and that was it. The realtor that had been recommended by the program ended up charging a lot more than was fair, but we didn't know because there was no supervision whatsoever.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The nearest clinic was far enough away that I was unable to reach it during the times that I was unwell. Furthermore, the health insurance purchased through the program was not clear as to what it actually covered.

* Safety:

Nanjing is a very safe city. Obviously it's not smart to take unnecessary risks, but there's no reason to be afraid.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 16$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of when and where you spend money, and make sure you know how your bank charges fees when you withdraw money so you can get money out most efficiently.

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? 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 202
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? Try to immerse yourself in the media. It's easy to revert to your mother tongue when you're alone, but if you try to read newspapers, watch TV, surf the web all in the language, it makes things come a lot easier.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Classes
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Housing arrangements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to get things done in China. The full implications of Chinese "face" and how that affects all interactions.

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!