Summer at Nankai Past Review

By (Linguistics., University of Oregon) - abroad from 07/13/2012 to 08/11/2012 with

INTO China - Tianjin: Nankai University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a valuable experience

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.

Class is very intense, expect to study in the evenings

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Think about your luggage, and make sure you can carry it up multiple flights of stairs. Also expect a week wait for internet access. Otherwise, nice rooms.

* Food:

Food on campus is hit or miss, but be sure to talk to mentors and find the best places to eat on and near campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you're willing to go out, and practice your Chinese, you will have great experiences.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Be vocal when INTO or university staff are talking to health care staff. I ended up with pills for a different illness than the one I had.

* 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)

Very easy to maintain the budget, getting money may be difficult with traveler's checks or debit cards.

* 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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Talk to mentors for best places to eat and shop. They will know the best places.

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? Beginner
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? 102
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? Practice! Your mentors are happy to talk to you, and help you.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • language program
  • language mentors
  • variety of nationalities in class
* What could be improved?
  • transportation options
  • cell phone limitations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What you learn in language textbooks rarely reflects what is spoken.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!