Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye-opening Past Review

By (Chinese Language, Literature, Trinity University) - abroad from 02/15/2017 to 06/04/2017 with

CET Harbin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely 100% worthwhile. I want to go again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

* 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

My Chinese skills have never been challenged until the day I landed in Harbin, China. The pledge and the support combined really helped me focus on overcoming language barriers and building confidence to speak Mandarin with ease.

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? When converted to USD, I would estimate about $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan meals accordingly. Unless you're really wanting to try something new or are actually hungry, then buy food.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced 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? Talk to locals and establish a good relationship with instructors.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The pledge
  • The food
  • The friendships
* What could be improved?
  • Midterm and Final Presentation
  • Scholarship distribution
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What to tell the taxi driver as to where my dorm is instead of handing him an address he didn't quite understand.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.