Learn Chinese fast in Harbin Past Review
By Curtis Segarra (Trinity University) - abroad from 06/16/2017 to 08/25/2017 with
CET Harbin
I gained language practicality as well as travel experience.
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. |
this is an Intensive language program. The homework is numerous and challenging. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administrators are helpful and easily accessible. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
slightly nicer than normal Chinese dorms, but not modern. Minimal living conditions and not the most comfortable bed. No AC in the room=hot during summer |
* Food: |
many options nearby and on campus. Very cheap, delicious food |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Harbin is an easy city to integrate into. Locals are friendly and the program provides some opportunities to meet locals |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
administrators are helpful, but I did not have any issues. |
* Safety: |
I always felt very safe on campus and alone in the city. China feels very safe, except for the traffic |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program provided a massive improvement to my language skills |
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) |
Food and basic living expenses are extremely low in China |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Share large meals with friends and split the cost. Hot pot can be a great option for 4+ people. |
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 |
We were only allowed 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? | intermediate 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? | abide by the language pledge and your skills will increase rapidly. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | bring a picture of home |
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 LinguistYou 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! |