Excellent Trip to China Past Review

By (Mechanical Engineering., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/01/2013 to 06/13/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Traveling - Global Leadership China Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that many stereotypes about China are perfectly accurate, some in between, and some are way off.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing felt dirty and often smelled of cigarette smoke.

* Food:

Getting enough vegetables is tough. Whole grains ar hard to find, too.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Maybe there is an N/A for this, but it's not working. Fix your survey, please. I didn't get any vaccines in preparation.

* Safety:

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)

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? Never go out for breakfast.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • Chinese culture class
  • High level of autonomy
  • Minimal course loads
* What could be improved?
  • Housing conditions
  • Level of language instruction
  • Communication with local university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't count on wireless internet in China.

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!