Studying Abraod helped me build life-long relationships Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were 3 hours a day, Monday-Friday. The work load was very manageable. I loved spending time in classes.

On-site administration of your program

Strengths were definitely the INTO Staff. We had amazing guides everywhere we went that were always helpful. They ended up being more our friends than our advisers.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The accomodations are very different than what we have at OSU, but I loved my room. We had our own bathroom and floor kitchens to cook. Doing laundry was a challenge for heavy fabrics that I brought from home -- they dried a lot slower since we had to hang-dry them. I would've brought a few light outfits, and then just bought light clothing once there.

I did not really like the food they had on campus -- it did not agree with my stomach and dietary needs, but every time we went out for dinner or lunch, I was very happy with the food that was provided.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I ended up finding the INTO China program by checking email from one of my professors. It was in the announcements that they were offering a program to Beijing and Dalian, China for a month over summer. I have always dreamed of traveling the Asia and this was my opportunity to go. I loved being a part of the pilot program with INTO China. My favorite part of the program was all the traveling we got to do with our group and going on Saturday excursions. As a group, we ended up making lifelong connections and friends from all over the world. Our group was very diverse; students from Saudi Arabia, England, South Korea, Colombia, Lithuania, and the United States. Through our studies, living in the accommodations together, and traveling as a group, we all got very close. To this day, I still talk to many of them – we even have our own facebook group to stay connected. After traveling to China, I cannot wait to return. I miss all the people I met there, and I hope to see them all again someday. Our last day in Beijing before traveling home, we all stayed up until morning just being with each other. None of us wanted to leave the friends we made there. I loved seeing the country, learning the language, and sharing traditions in China, but what I will miss most (and my dearest memory) are the friends I made while I was there.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The first week at the University, I fell very ill (fever, stomach flu, decreased appetite). Immediately they drove me to the hospital where they took sanitary blood samples and medicine to get better. They were very helpful in making me feel better and getting me food that could settle my stomach. The INTO staff was outstanding in taking care of me.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Practice with Chinese students at the University. Also, go out and meet the people! The best way to learn phrases are when shopping. Because we went out so often, the most I remember of the language is how to shop and numbers (prices).

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

• The INTO Staff getting to know them as people.
• I loved learning the language. Chinese is very different from English.
• Traveling! We all took awkward tourist-y pictures every chance we got.

• Food on campus -- but I just bought food from the Wal-Mart (Trust-Mart) across the street.
• I wish I had continued my Chinese language classes back home.
• I wish I had stayed longer.