Language Study in Kunming Past Review
By A student (International Relations and Affairs., Tufts University) - abroad from 08/28/2014 to 12/13/2013 with
CET Kunming
My language skills greatly improved.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers are all very available and friendly, and the coursework will help your Chinese progress very quickly. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The food choices around the university and in Kunming were amazing. The university dining hall food is very cheap but only okay. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Making Chinese friends was harder than expected. It is important to work to build a relationship with your Chinese roommate. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
In general the area is relatively safe, although it is important to be careful in the nightclub district because it can be a little bit unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It depends on whether you travel on weekends, but $50 per week is more than enough |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat in the dining hall. Each meal usually under a dollar. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Language pledge. |
| 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? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Make local friends! |
Other Program Information
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* 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?
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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? | I wish I had switched my visa to multiple entry so that I could have left the country during fall break. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
