Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad in Hangzhou was bitter sweet. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/21/2018 to 07/05/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Hangzhou

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've learned to adapt and interact with the locals culture on top of improving my Chinese. Yes it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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

My Chinese has improved tremendously. I also became more comfortable discussing difficult topics.

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)

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chinese 301
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 people in the program
  • Chinese food
  • The site
* What could be improved?
  • Administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Asian Americans have difficult experience in China.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Discussion and debate
Course Department: Chinese
Instructor: Professor Lian
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: It was challenging and I had learned alot of vocabularies but some topics weren't discussed thoroughly and in depth. The professor also seems very biased on certain issues.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Chinese business
Course Department: Chinese
Instructor: Professor Shi
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: It was a challenging course and the professor was very passionate about her class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Hangzhou studies

Course Department: Chinese
Instructor: Professor Shi and professor Wang
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: It was fairly challenging because it requires students to interact with the locals
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Chinese tutoring

Course Department: Chinese
Instructor: Professor Zhang
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: It was challenging but I got to design the course and navigate the topic with my professor in a more lenient way. It was enjoyable because it was the topic I chose to study.
Credit Transfer Issues: No