Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Taipei has plenty to offer. Past Review

By (Austin College) - abroad from 02/21/2014 to 06/12/2014 with

CIEE: Taipei - Intensive Chinese Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Vastly improved Chinese skills. A better understanding of Taiwanese culture and politics.

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.

Not too difficult, but in combination led to vast language improvement.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50

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? Fifth-semester 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? Socialize outside of the American bubble. If your skills aren't ready, watch films, listen in on conversations (as creepy as that sounds), and bring friends who speak both English and a better level of the target language. Group settings are fantastic. But if you can say it in the target language, do it. Even if you have to switch languages a lot in the conversation.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Location
  • Ambassadors to help you escape the American bubble
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Gossiping among students/staff
  • Better handling of issues (healthcare, etc).
  • More encouragement to venture outside of the American bubble
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Practice the language before going. Watch films or do something basic, just so that you don't forget what you've already learned. You don't want to spend the first couple of weeks paralyzed because you can't speak.

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.