Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible, Challenging, and Worthwhile Past Review

By (Sarah Lawrence College) - abroad from 08/21/2012 to 12/13/2012 with

CIEE: Beijing - Intensive Chinese Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
That every challenge (no matter how challenging) should be seen as an opportunity!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 60

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? 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? level 1
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? Make sure to do the work! Don't get lazy, and try to practice with your friend's outside of class instead of always reverting back to English. It's also really helpful to befriend a native speaker of the language so you get extra exposure/practice

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • How inspiring and enlightening the courses were
* What could be improved?
  • The communication between the program staff and the language teachers
  • The work load of the core courses (could be less)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That when people tell you your experience is gonna go by fast...they truly mean it. Take advantage of EVERY OPPORTUNITY to try something or do something new. Regardless of what happens...it'll make a great story in the end.