Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Amazing Trip in the Most Overrated Country Past Review

By (Business and Chinese, Trinity University) - abroad from 02/22/2015 to 06/29/2015 with

CIEE: Taipei - Communications, Business & Political Economy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Best semester of college. I learned so much from the culture, my Chinese improved immensely, I made great friends, and I traveled so muc.

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

Great administration of the program. They were all on top of their jobs and were more than accessible to the students. They were extremely helpful and were willing to aid in anything they could. I have zero complaints about the administration of the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Really nice living arrangements compared to Taiwanese standards. I feel really lucky to have lived in those dorms.

* Food:

Delicious and cheap Taiwanese 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:

10/10

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? At least 100 dollars a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget yourself, keep a daily expense.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Third Year Chinese
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? Watching shows in the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The cultural ambassadors
  • The country itself: the people, the food, how cheap it is
* What could be improved?
  • Can't think of much.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to budget myself.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.