Money well spent! Past Review

By (Arizona State University) - abroad from 07/22/2015 to 08/07/2015 with

International Business Seminars: Summer China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much insight on Chinese culture that I never knew existed. I gained contacts within large companies abroad. It was the most worthwhile experience I have had thus far.

Review Photos

International Business Seminars / IBS: Summer China Photo International Business Seminars / IBS: Summer China Photo International Business Seminars / IBS: Summer China Photo International Business Seminars / IBS: Summer China Photo International Business Seminars / IBS: Summer China Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The companies we worked with included a diverse background which allowed me to get a well rounded idea of what business in China is like.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IBS Faculty accompanied the visits and made everything go smoothly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in 4 star hotels, nicest hotels I have ever been in.

* Food:

Most of the meals were done on your own, but the ones that were provided were amazing. The Peking duck dinner was very authentic.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I should have studied more Mandarin before the trip, but overall I feel like I fully immersed myself in the Chinese culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

IBS has a list of all the nearby hospitals and an emergency plan ready just in case. No one in our group needed these resources. Before I went I made sure to get a Hep A vaccine and also re-administer my Tetanus shot.

* Safety:

Overall I felt very safe on the streets on China. When we went out a buddy system was always implemented. Personally everyone should hold themselves accountable for making sure their belongings aren't stolen.

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)

Most everything in China is cheap, if you blow through too much money then you weren't budgeting yourself effectively.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Drink in moderation. Beware of taxi's trying to overcharge you. Don't be afraid to bargain!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Historical Visits ie Great Wall
  • the food
  • Meeting new people
* What could be improved?
  • Going at a different time of the year, China is really hot in the summer
  • Better resources to laundry facilities that are affordable
  • Better wifi in the hotels
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Google anything does not work at all. If you use the Google Play store for apps make sure you have every app that you will ever need in China before going into China ie Uber. Using Uber in China is way easier than using a Taxi. Bring lots of cold medicine, and wear a mask that filters out particulates because the pollution in Beijing is harmful to your health.