顺其自然在中国就是最好的方式 Past Review

By (International Politcal Economy, Fordham University) - abroad from 08/31/2012 to 12/22/2012 with

CET Kunming

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Kunming really lended itself to a youthful spirit, and compelled me to reflect on all of the opportunity I have been given in my life. In a city like Beijing or Shanghai, there is no time for these thoughts, as your mind is most likely clouded with particulate matter. Being independent in China is critical to meeting local students and foreign students from around the world. Do not fear how classmates and program administrators will perceive you if you do not subscribe to the social or academic conventions of the group at large. Explore, listen, and cherish the cultural peculiarities that impel the large majority of our college peers to venture to destinations other than China. That is all.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program should not be encouraged for any student studying abroad in China for his/her first time.

* 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? 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)

6.5元/$1 surely allows for a comfortable living.

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

24/7 Language Pledge certainly inhibits one from expressing his/her true character in his/her native tongue.

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? 2605
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? I would encourage any student interested in enrolling in a Middlebury program to study abroad in a major city for a summer in a relatively less intensive program.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • 气候
  • 地理
  • 没有空气污染
* What could be improved?
  • 仇和
  • 娇气的同学们
  • 拉肚子
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? 有的时候生活就是这样。

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'