Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Student Teaching in Guangzhou - An experience like none other. Past Review

By (Kinesiology and Exercise Science., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/26/2013 to 08/03/2013 with

China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Student teaching was rigorous, but fun and challenging.

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.

I thoroughly enjoyed being with the other students in a foreign country. I loved the food, culture, and the teaching experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I speak Mandarin Chinese fairly well, so it was pretty easy to get around. For others though, it would be rather difficult.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment/hotel was incredible.

* Food:

Loved the food. Discovered good places to eat too late though. Haha.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I fit right in, being Asian.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Hospital fees were pretty cheap.

* Safety:

The gated community is pretty safe.

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)

The housing was covered by the school, as was the food. It was pretty great.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 1000 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at the school.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Being with the other students
  • Exploring the culture and city
  • Learning
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing, in my opinion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would plan to spend more than it might be made out to sound.

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.'