Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I wouldn't trade this experience for anything! Past Review

By (Flagler College) - abroad from 05/15/2015 to 06/02/2015 with

Flagler College: China - International Cross-cultural Psychology, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I certainly learned in my study abroad classes, however I gained much more knowledge by being immersed in China's beautiful culture. Beijing is rich in ancient history and Shanghai was a vibrant new city. They were completely different, but both are treasures. The people were completely different from us as well, but there is much one can learn from them. My professor told me that once I go to China I would not come back the same, and she was completely right. I have gained factual knowledge as well as a more open mind and can now view life from another perspective. I wouldn't trade that type of education for anything!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I certainly learned in my study abroad classes, however I gained much more knowledge by being immersed in China's beautiful culture. Beijing is rich in ancient history and Shanghai was a vibrant new city. They were completely different, but both are treasures. The people were completely different from us as well, but there is much one can learn from them. My professor told me that once I go to China I would not come back the same, and she was completely right. I have gained factual knowledge as well as a more open mind and can now view life from another perspective. I wouldn't trade that type of education for anything!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Asia Institute did an amazing job with making our group feel welcome and safe. YJ was one of our coordinators and she had every small detail planned out. Our tour guides Tom and Lucy were absolutely precious and our group really connected with them. So much so that we cried when we all had to separate.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our hotel in Beijing was beautiful, clean, safe, and convenient. Our hotel in Shanghai was not as nice or convenient but I always felt safe.

* Food:

The food in China was some of the best I have ever eaten!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated! Especially with the service learning project at the nursing home and being able to spend time with Beijing University students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally didn't have any health issues, but a few of my group members did and they were well taken care of.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe, however I also did everything I could to make sure I was safe.

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)

It can be easy, you just have to be disciplined and know how much you want to spend before you do.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I wrote down a budget and kept track of everything I bought.

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

Our translators really helped us out.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I am fluent in Spanish, but that didn't help me much in China.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? We learned the basics such as "Hello" and "Thank you." We also had travel cards which had several different addresses of places around the city (in both languages) that you could show taxi drivers to help you get around.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • It was organized.
  • I always felt safe.
  • We had fun!
* What could be improved?
  • Shanghai Translators
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was aware of how different the public bathrooms are in China than in America.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'