Studying abroad in China is an experience of a lifetime. Past Review
By Elise Hanks-Witaszek (Lebanon Valley College) - abroad from 08/31/2018 to 12/14/2018 with
China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
It was 100% worthwhile! I especially loved that I was able to study abroad in a very unconventional place and have an internship. I gained a new respect for others cultures and others beliefs.
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. |
The classes were set up well. Each class was around three hours long, this was very different from what I was used to at my home college. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration for the CAPA program was organized and performed well throughout group trips. They helped with our internship visas and took full responsibility for finding our internships and setting up interviews for us. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living arrangements were amazing! Our room looked over the sports facilities. I lived with someone in the program who was also from my host school. The housing was all international student which made it easy to meet others. |
| * Food: |
We did not have a meal plan except it was very easy to find food on your own. The international dorm was right next to the "dining hall". I tried many new and interesting foods. There was plenty of food options available. There was also a huge shopping mall only a ten-minute walk away. The food comparatively was not very expensive at all! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
In the beginning of the experience I was very intimidated to be in a foreign place. Over time it became easier and easier. Studying mandarin while in China made it easier because you could begin to understand parts of what others were saying. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health issues while in China. I did bring over daily vitamins and other cold medicine to be prepared. |
| * Safety: |
Shanghai, China is an extremely safe place. I never once felt unsafe while studying abroad. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
China is a fun challenge that will have you on your toes the whole time. It exceeded all of my expectations. |
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? | I probably spent between $30 to $50 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | My roommate and I would dine at places that were less expensive. That way we could spend more money on our trips. |
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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I never took a mandarin course before departure. |
| 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? | I would recommend learning just basic saying before going to China. |
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? | It is key to learn some basics of the language before going on this program. Just a handful of simple phrases will help tremendously. |
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. |
