China: A Coming of Age Past Review
By Jeremy K (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) for
CIEE: Nanjing - Intensive Chinese Language and Culture
My study abroad experience definitely changed my future plans. I want so badly to go back and work in China or at least have a career that has to do with China.
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 difference in teaching styles was completely evident but I believe that this differenced increased my learning and comprehension. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
CIEE Nanjing took us on a one-week trip to Xinjiang, and it was the greatest experience of my life. Xinjiang is home to the Uighur minority group and their culture was so interesting. The whole feel of Xinjiang is more akin to a Middle Eastern country than it is to China. I absolutely loved it! |
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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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would not. I think that the budget was just right. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Second-year Chinese |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people did not speak English fluently, so I frequently had to use/practice my Chinese language skills. |
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? | Never say no to anything or anybody. You only get this opportunity once, live it to the fullest. |
