Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I really do not like living in China. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/28/2018 to 12/16/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Hangzhou

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I really hate living in cities and that Chinese people do not really understand why I look Chinese but can't speak it fluently.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were monotonous. The workload was fine, but boring.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The people were nice and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My bathroom was gross, damp, and dark. The beds were uncomfortable.

* Food:

The dining hall food made me sick.

* 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? No

If I could do it again, I'd go to Kunming because I hate big cities and Kunming is a little bit smaller.

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? Save up as much as you can in advance.

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? Advanced
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? 302
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? Talk more to the Chinese roommates. Wish I had done that.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I liked going to the countryside.
  • I liked the break.
  • I liked the trip to the mountain.
* What could be improved?
  • Classes are super monotonous.
  • There are not enough club activities.
  • There is little to no integration with the actual university.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that I hate cities.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Classical Chinese

Course Department: N/A
Instructor: Wu laoshi
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Discussion

Course Department:
Instructor: Lian laoshi
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Hangzhou Story
Course Department: N/A
Instructor: Tao laoshi
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Animals Rights (one on one)
Course Department: N/A
Instructor: Wang laoshi
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: