Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

CET Kunming - Intense yet Exciting Past Review

By (Chinese Language and Literature, Oberlin College) - abroad from 06/11/2014 to 08/11/2014 with

CET Kunming

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that it's not always what you can see that's the best part of an experience. I found myself being a better student after this program because I found my limit. I could push my self much more than I have been. It was absolutely a worthwhile experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Review Photos

CET Kunming Photo CET Kunming Photo CET Kunming Photo CET Kunming Photo

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.

The course covers a year of college level Chinese language in two months. A new lesson is learned everyday with a weekly test. There is also a midterm and a final. This program is not for the faint hearted and should be taken as a serious commitment. Teachers go to the students for nightly office hours. Students are given all of the resources to succeed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living with my local roommate. She continues to be one of my good friends. The room I also stayed in was in fact the school-run hotel located right across from campus. I was provided with a lot of tiny necessities like clean towels. It was extremely pleasant and the facilities were adequate.

* Food:

The local food was delicious. Even the dining hall, which was the cheapest food around, was always delicious. There were also restaurants that served more western style dishes, so it was nice to have that outlet.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I integrated myself into the local culture by joining a martial arts class. I also went out into the city and just walked around a lot. My roommate was also really helpful in this sense because she knew the area extremely well. I put myself into situations where I would have to learn about the local culture. It was really fun and I met many interesting people during the journey.

* 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

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)

It was very easy to live on a student's budget. I would say that it was somewhere around 20RMB per day for food. So, that's around $20 a week. Of course if you go to restaurants then it will be more. However, eating at the dinning hall was extremely cheap. This is only for food though. If you wanted to buy souvenirs, then the expense is not measurable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $20 for food and probably around 50RMB($8/$9) for cultural activities which most of the time were reimbursed by the program.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? A lot of things in China are seemingly cheap, however don't be fooled. Really think about what you're about to buy and if it's worth it. Also, eat cheaply and occasionally go out.

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

There is a language pledge for this program. Therefore, I used it everyday minute of every day. I had to stay in Chinese 24/7.

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? Chinese 202
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? Immerse yourself completely. Commit yourself to only speak your target language for the duration of your stay.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 local roommate
  • academic intensity
  • location
* What could be improved?
  • There could be a larger cultural budget for students to use in order to facilitate more in depth immersion into the culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much clothes did not matter and that its alright to only pack a small number of clothes. The people on the program don't care if you wear the same thing over and over again. It saves weight in the suitcase and gives you more room for souvenirs.

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!