Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Rewarding and Enriching Study Abroad Journey Full of Growth October 25, 2025

By (Chinese Language Learning Program, Arizona State University) - abroad from 09/01/2025 to 10/10/2025 with

Go Abroad China: Learn Chinese at China's Top University with Homestay

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained cross-cultural communication skills, a deeper understanding of global perspectives, and significant academic knowledge. It was absolutely worthwhile as it transformed my worldview and prepared me for an interconnected world.

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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The host city is generally safe. I suggest future students pay attention to personal belongings in crowded places. I didn't encounter any safety-related incidents during my stay.

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

The program offered exceptional academic resources, cultural immersion opportunities, and robust support. It broadened my horizons and helped me grow both personally and academically, making it a choice I would readily make again.

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)

Living on a student budget was quite manageable. Local markets and affordable dining options helped keep expenses in check.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Engage in daily conversations with locals, keep a language journal, and immerse yourself in local media like movies and music.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Engage in daily conversations with locals, keep a language journal, and immerse yourself in local media like movies and music.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
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?
  • The diverse cultural events that allowed for genuine interaction with locals
* What could be improved?
  • Increase the number of scholarships available for students with financial need
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about the local transportation system and how to navigate it efficiently. Also, understanding more about the local customs and etiquette in daily interactions would have helped me adapt more smoothly at the beginning.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.