Unique Chinese Experience Past Review
By heather m (International Business., Pepperdine University) - abroad from 06/01/2014 to 08/15/2014 with
Guizhou Forerunner College: Guizhou - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
You get to see a part of China that is highly overlooked. It really puts everything in life into perspective. You meet amazing people and you get to go outside of your comfort zones to really learn who you are as a person.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Great hands-on experience in Chinese culture |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone that works at GFC has a strong conviction to serve and they are all amazing |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was shocked with how amazingly we were accommodated by GFC |
| * Food: |
Western food served at the hotel on campus is definitely a must. Not only is it amazing, it is a nice option beside Chinese food |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Huishui (the nearest local county) is wonderful |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There is a doctor on campus |
| * Safety: |
If you are concern with safety in China, I can say that there is no place that I have ever felt safer than in China. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food is cheap and if you can budget yourself then that is great. However, be aware that foreigners tend to calculate prices in regard to their native country's dollar and that can cause you to underestimate how much have spent. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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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? | Beginner |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | It is really up to you how much you want to learn and practice. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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 I would have known how vital it is to really make sure you are using the language as much as possible and to truly immerse yourself. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
