Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Most Life Changing Experience I Ever Had! Past Review

By (Political Science and Chinese, University of Kentucky) - abroad from 02/26/2015 to 07/01/2015 with

KEI Abroad in Beijing, China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the ability to understand people from other cultures, and communicate effectively in different languages. It was definitely worthwhile, I grew as a person. I am so glad that I went!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Chinese courses were very challenging, and I learned a lot. I truly recommend this program if you want intensive-language study. However, the Business courses I took were extremely easy. They were more similar to elementary courses than college courses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The On-Site Coordinator was hard to get in touch with, but her assistant was extremely helpful. He would get on the subway, and come to our dorm to help us with whatever was needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very convenient. It was close to restaurants, class, and it was located in the International Education Office.

* Food:

Extremely delicious! Meals can be bought for the equivalent of $1.50 to $10, it all depends on what you want that day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was kind of hard being integrated into the culture, but I tried by making international friends and helping a girl learn English.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was a lot of education on how to get help if you were sick. I had great travel health insurance, so I knew where my doctors were located if I needed one. I had a horrible toothache and I found a nearby pharmacy who had ibuprofen.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe walking around by myself, as a woman. Even walking around in the dark, there are always people out which is somewhat nice too.

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)

I saved a lot money going to China, because I did not want to worry about expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $70-150, depends on what I was doing.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take about $350-500 extra. You never know if you'll see that t-shirt you really want again!

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

Yes, I used it every day, all day.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? CHI 202 - Intermediate Chinese
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends with Chinese students through the International Students Club, and talk to the front desk workers. They want to learn English, help them and they will help you! Also, get a tutor if you need one.

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?
  • Food
  • Excursions
  • Meeting other international students
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-departure
  • On-Site Coordinator
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared to be stared out, and try new things!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.