Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Adventure of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Central College) - abroad from 07/05/2012 to 08/08/2012 with

China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was COMPLETELY worthwhile! I loved learning about the Chinese culture and broadening my cultural perspectives! I especially loved getting to know my students and teaching assistants! It was such a joy to work with them and interact with them on a daily basis, and they now have truly become friends! I would do the trip again in a heartbeat, and I look forward to staying in contact with all of my new international friends! I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys a challenge and wants to interact with people of different cultures!

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.

* 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? 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than $10.00

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The part I enjoyed the most was getting to know the students and TA's. I still keep in contact with all of my students and TA's, and they truly have become close friends.
  • I also liked being immersed in the Chinese culture and learning about their traditions and lives.
* What could be improved?
  • I think foreign teachers need to have a better idea of how to plan lessons prior to going to China. Some lesson plans were well thought out while others did not contain enough material to last for the entire class period.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had brought more hands-on activities and games to use with my students. They loved doing activities and review games, and I wish I had brought more materials to get the students even more active and involved. Even though I wish I had brought more activities and materials, we still had a lot of fun and enjoyed many different activities.