Life changing experience that increased my cultural and lingual skills Past Review

By (Chemical Engineering., Colorado State University) - abroad from 07/06/2012 to 08/04/2012 with

INTO China - Tianjin: Nankai University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained friends from around the world, who along with myself, love to travel and now have places to stay wherever we go.

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:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200 (Shopping)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bartering Skills

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? None
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? Walking around and immersing yourself with the people and culture

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Ability to interact with students from around the globe
* What could be improved?
  • Time alotted to experience the landmarks with the group
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A basis of the Chinese language would have really instilled much of the Chinese learned during the program.