Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/14/2016 to 08/19/2016 with

Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad (GPA): Advanced Chinese Language Immersion

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to keep an open mind, especially when another culture is vastly different from my own. It was a worthwhile experience that made me appreciate all that I had.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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?

We had local language partners who helped us integrate into the local culture. There were also many events that helped me to meet and make friends with the local Chinese students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a health issue regarding my teeth.

* Safety:

The campus is relatively safe to walk around at night alone; however, it is best to go off campus with a group of friends. Near the local mall, there have been incidents of fights and attacks.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I met a lot of amazing people, had a lot of great opportunities to develop my education and my work experience, and improved on my language skills.

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)

I spend roughly about $20 on food. Personal expenses, such as toiletries, books, and art supplies, can range from $5-10 a week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you want to save money, I would highly recommend eating at the student cafeteria. Here, one meal costs, on average, $0.80-$1.

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? CHIN 201
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Do not be afraid to make mistakes when talking with locals. Always try to speak the local language as much as possible; there is no better opportunity to improve your skills than to talk with the native speakers.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Language pledge
  • The people
  • The teachers
* What could be improved?
  • Transparency issues
  • Fixed schedules (certain events were told to us a day before)
  • Communication problems
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I was prepared to struggle with my speaking abilities. I was embarrassed and shied away from speaking with locals for the first three weeks; it was only after I had stayed with a local family for 2 weeks that I became comfortable with speaking with locals, understanding that mistakes are the way for me to improve upon my skills.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!