Study Abroad = Language Confidence Past Review

By (Chinese Studies, University of Tulsa) - abroad from 01/21/2015 to 05/18/2015 with

China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most worthwhile part of the program was the drastic improvement in my Chinese skills and becoming comfortable with a new country and city.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The mandatory Chinese class was certainly the best way to improve my Chinese - my Chinese language ability improved so much with the help of the professors. I only give four stars because we had virtually no choice in what courses we wished to take outside of Chinese.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Typical dorm building; had some roommate issues Alliance was unwilling to resolve because of the small program size

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Experienced no health issues, neither did anyone else on the program.

* Safety:

Never felt threatened or in danger, but watch out for cars!

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)

Easy to keep expenses at a bare minimum - if necessary to eat cheaply a meal at the cafeteria can cost 3 kuai (.50 cents) if you are frugal. Of course Beijing has an expensive side, particularly nightlife, so it is possible to spend a lot of money if desired.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat in the cafeteria, avoid buying imported foods and eating at Western chain restaurants.

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? 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 Microblogging
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? Find some way to get involved in the community, speak with your language partner, and try to speak Chinese outside of class with program participants.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Chinese classes
  • Food
  • Study tour
* What could be improved?
  • English course options
  • Internship placement
  • Clarity on visa issues
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew about the lack of English course options

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!