Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

All expectations exeeded. Past Review

By (Chinese Studies., University of Melbourne) - abroad from 11/30/2012 to 03/01/2013 with

Mandarin Taiwan Study Abroad: Semester, Summer and Individual Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As a very unexperienced traveller I ventured abroad with many fears and reservations. However, when i arrived i felt welcomed and supported. I learned a lot about Taiwanese culture, made great friends and was able to improve my Mandarin skills drastically. My confidence was boosted and i learned much about independence and living away from home. It was the most wonderful thing i have ever done with my life and i cannot wait to do it all over again!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Check out streetfood as westernised restaurants are usually pricier and not worth the costs

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? Beginner
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? Make local friends.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • The support: From day one, I felt I was supported 24 hours and could easily get help for any issues i encountered.
  • Being immersed in the culture: Living in Taipei is very different to my home, but i loved every moment of it.
  • The accommodation was fabulous, I stayed on Shida rd. and the facilities were very clean and well maintained, as well as being ideally located to subways, and the mandarin training centre MTC.
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing really, perhaps more MTSA arranged outings? visits to culturally significant events etc.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had planned for a longer stay, because 3 months during the winter is certainly not long enough! i wish i could have stayed and completed a regular semester.