Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Excellent program, though a bit expensive Past Review

By (Chinese Language, Literature, MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology) - abroad from 04/27/2015 to 06/19/2015 with

LTL Mandarin School: Learn Chinese in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I significantly increased my Mandarin ability

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.

Great teachers, rigorous curricula. They definitely push you

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Admin team was great, extremely helpful for almost anything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose the most basic housing option - and I got what I was looking for.

* Food:

The school did quite a bit to take us out on trips to try local food (paid for by the school). Don't get me wrong - the program is expensive, but free dinners at great local restaurants was a great plus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The school was still a bit insular, but having stayed with a host family, and through some of the school organized strips, I was able to integrate quite a bit, though maybe not as much as I would ideally have liked

* 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)

The program, at leas the one I chose, was expensive

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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
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? Speak to real people

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Great quality teachers
* What could be improved?
  • Program is a bit expensive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing

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!