Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Dalian: A Different Way to Spend the Summer Past Review

By (Recreation Resource Mangement, Oregon State University) for

Dongbei University of Finance and Economics: Dalian - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to see China! I met great people and got to visit a place that I had envisioned very differently. I am continuing on my same career path, but I can't wait to return and see more.

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.

The language course was very challenging, but manageable, and without pressure as it was taken for my own experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I feel like the program size was perfect, and we always had someone to go to if we needed help with anything at all.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For the bulk of my stay, I was with a roommate in a dorm. We spent a lot of time practicing out Chinese together, but she was also fluent in Spanish so I was able to improve my Spanish speaking abilities as well. We ate at the cafeteria and various places around the city. If we ate in, it was mostly coffee, fruits and bread.

* Food:

The food on campus was not very good. It was extremely high in msg and usually overcooked. Most of us tended to go elsewhere for food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Great Wall of China was definitely a highlight for me, as were all of the more elaborate dinners out in Beijing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I got pretty sick toward the end from drinking the water at a restaurant. The saff gave me medication when I asked for it, and I also was able to use my Chinese to purchase medicine at a local pharmacy. I did not have anything serious so I cannot comment more on that.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I spoke no Chinese at all going into this program, but I came away with a solid basic understanding of what learning this language entailed. I was able to practice with other students and staff around the campus, and I also gained experience communicating with shopkeepers and street vendors.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The staff was excellent and very helpful.
  • We still had a lot of freedom to explore.
  • There were a variety of activities.
* What could be improved?
  • The campus food!
  • Incorporate more cultural activities rather than trips to IT businesses.
  • The communication was initially rather difficult.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This program is great for students who have never been out of their country before. Just know that it will be an experience that will change your life!