China Past Review
By Jessica N (International Studies & Economics, University of California - Irvine) for
China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Yes. I am currently on financial aid, and I don't have much money. But I was fine with taking out loans to study abroad, because this is something I wouldn't mind being in debt for. Working small jobs and saving up for a year is worth it rather than living a comfortable life at home and never knowing what life is like some where else.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The language classes were very useful, 3 hours a day, 4 days a week, and a practical on Friday. All the classes were taught only in Chinese, so it really made you get used to speaking the language. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Minimal interaction means everything is going smoothly. Very prompt response on email, and good communication when abroad also. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My Chinese teachers, my language partners, locals. Many people in China don't speak English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take as many chances as you dare, when you feel like you are unsure of something and you don't want to do it because you're not comfortable, that is the perfect reason to do it. Talk to as many people as you can, it doesn't matter if you don't know the language. Always bring more money, but bargain harder than you believe is possible. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Issues in Contemporary Chinese Society & Culture |
| Course Department: | BEIJ SOCS260 |
| Instructor: | Matt Ferchen |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Included excellent and insightful field trips. The readings were heavy, but it was still good. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
China and the Environment |
| Course Department: | BEIJ ENVI 380 |
| Instructor: | Chad Futrell |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | One of the best classes I have ever taken! Includes field trips to many environmental group networking events, and discusses many issues relevant to both the US and China. It will become increasingly relevant that we live in separate countries, but reside in the world. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
