Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/14/2016 to 08/19/2016 with
Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad (GPA): Advanced Chinese Language Immersion
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
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* 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 |
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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 |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* 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 LinguistYou 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! |