Xi'an China: Great Experience Past Review
By Sadie H (Economics, Business, Trinity University) for
China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Although I researched before going to China, seeing it first-hand gives me a new perspective I can't describe. Studying Chinese intensively made me realize that I want to continue my studies of the language for as long as possible.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Had both Chinese and American teachers, so there was a good variety. A similar workload compared to Trinity, and the emphasis on learning Chinese was beneficial. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
University location was very convenient, and transportation was cheap. Classes were close to dorms, and some of the better nightlife was just a cheap taxi drive away. There is some theft in Xi'an, so you have to look out for your wallet in crowded streets, but China is known for being pretty safe and I never felt threatened. The dorms provided most of what we needed to settle in. |
| * Food: |
On campus cafeterias were convenient, cheap, and had good food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about $50 a week, more when traveling to places specifically to buy souvenirs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buying 'western' products are pretty expensive. Be careful of camera use in windy deserts, because sand an cameras don't mix and camera repairs aren't cheap. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
With the Alliance, Xi'an program we were placed with Chinese roommates, so there were many opportunities to practice speaking Chinese. You don't necessarily 'need' to speak any Chinese in everyday interactions, however it's very helpful. Most people do not speak English, but often you can find someone around any various location (be it supermarket or movie theater) that can speak a little. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone who wants to improve their Chinese, learn about China's diversity, meet great friends, and have experiences in China that you'll never forget. Seriously, there aren't many programs give you the chance to ride camels across vast deserts and camp in Mongolian yurts. |
