Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I wish I could stay here forever! May 20, 2026

By (Environmental Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/25/2026 to 05/23/2026 with

CET Taiwan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Adapting to a new culture, confidence in navigating new cities in an unfamiliar language, connecting with people even if we couldn't understand each other, and feeling at ease in situations that were new to me. Embrace the insecurity of not understanding and transform it into an opportunity to absorb everything.

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.

* 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?

I was seeking counsiling and they connected me with a great clinic covered by my insurance!

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I got exactly what I was looking for out of this program!

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)

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 30 (3 semesters)
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • my local roommate
  • very responsive and attentive staff
  • cultural activities and language partners!
* What could be improved?
  • the pre departure orientation made me feel a little distanced since there was no zoom meeting but rather modules to complete, which was helpful but I felt like I was missing context that I would've got from seeing the staff on a call!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? i will find my people eventually! Don't cling to the first person you find.

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.'