Real Experience in Real China Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Because I was not receiving credit for the language class at my home university, I found it difficult to motivate myself to ace the course. I found the course to be more of a personal benefit. The workload was light and the grading system was softer than that of my home university. The teaching style was like that of any beginning level language course; lots of repetition and vocabulary. I found the methods to be very beneficial, even though I was the lowest scoring student in our group.

On-site administration of your program

Support for our group in Dalian was superb. There was no stone unturned when it came to needs and guidance by the host administration. I do not recall our program coordinators' name, but she was so unbelievably helpful in organizing and executing activities, for us, like the volley ball matches against other exchange students.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

At first, I found the housing situation rough around the edges (keep in mind this was my first international experience), but after learning how the local students lived, as well as experiencing housing in SE Asia, I look back and view the Dongbei Dorm as the Ritz Carlton. Safety was NEVER a concern. Aesthetics were unique to the experience and access to anything we needed (Wal-Mart) was right across the street. Proximity to nightlife was a 15 minute cab ride away, but with taxis running all night, this was never an issue. I never found it necessary to buy any "settling in" items as EVERYTHING was thought of by INTO (fans, laundry items, hot water boiler).

At first, I loved the food. However, after contracting food poisoning multiple times from surrounding area street food, my body became susceptible to the local cuisine offered at the dining hall. I was a unique case. No one else in the group had food poisoning with the intensity and duration that I experienced. I would not change a thing if I could go back. It is all past of the experience, and I am grateful to INTO for providing the accommodation that they did.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Every activity organized by INTO was well thought out and resonated with me, showing me the real culture of modern China. Everything from the Chinese Opera to the Train Manufacturing plant was outstanding. Not to mention the fantastic cultural melting pot of JD's bar and grill.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not a single safety related incident. Healthcare was easily accessible, even though I didn't need it. If anything, available healthcare seemed more easily accessible to me compared to back home. I did not require any vacines for this program.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

nobody outside of our mentor group spoke English. This forced us to use our Mandarin in everyday situations, which was a huge benefit. I feel this is why I still retain so much of what I learned, because I was truly immersed in the language and culture in Dalian. As I discovered in Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines, if English is commonly spoken in everyday interactions, it is near impossible to pick up the local language. I can speak very little Thai, Cambodian, and Filipino from my experiences on the Tourist Trial in these countries.

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• Dorm

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• International Students

• The true immersion into the culture.

• Nothing. INTO thought of everything.