Studying and interning in China was an incredible experience! Past Review
By Nicole Castro (Suffolk University) - abroad from 02/23/2018 to 06/11/2018 with
China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I gain more knowledge of the social cultural trends in China. I became more open minded and was more comfortable with the new culture I immersed myself into
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took four courses while studying abroad. These courses provided me with a global perspective of doing business in China and other parts of the world. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The CAPA program planned excursions and trips that students like myself benefit from cultural awareness and the power of globalization |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a residence hall with one roommate. The room was spacious and instead of a key to open the door, it was a card sensor system. |
| * Food: |
Food was different from the chinese food we see in a regular American mall. Food had less seasonings and had substitutes such as soy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It took me about 3 weeks to fully integrate in the culture. The first three weeks were challenging because of the language barrier but by taking my mandarin course and my friends who had more knowledge, getting through the city was easier. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare was not efficient because I had a skin allergy and the doctors said it was due to the cold that I had at the time. |
| * Safety: |
I did not feel unsafe at any time |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had amazing experiences in China, I do not regret one thing |
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) |
I had a budget of $3,500. The food was affordable, a meal could cost from $3-$15. Transportation was less than $1. Traveling around China depended on the distance but the most expensive ticket I had to pay was $150 for a speed train to Guilin which is 14 hours driving. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | My weekly expenses were approximately $35-$45 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | One important tip is record your expenses and what the money is being used for. China is cash driven. Bring cash with you for the taxi (transportation) you'll use upon your arrival. I had a TD Bank card and using the ATM did not charge me any fees. It charged me the conversion rate which was approximately $3. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
5= highly encouragement in learning the language |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Beginner (CHIN 101) |
| 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? | 1. Pay attention in class 2. Do your homework and study the vocabulary/conversation samples 3. Practice outside the classroom 4. Don't be afraid of messing up, locals respect that you are trying |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Starting traveling within the first month of your arrival. Do not wait until the end of the semester to do all your planned trips. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
International Marketing |
| Course Department: | CAPA |
| Instructor: | Professor Schwarz |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Professor Schwarz has experience in marketing consulting and strategies. During the class, we discussed failures and success of companies who entered the Chinese market. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No issues |
