Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Incredible Experience in Hangzhou China Past Review

By (Smith College) - abroad from 02/20/2019 to 06/02/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Hangzhou

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to interact and navigate in a foreign country。

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.

The program was incredible and the language pledge helped me improve my Chinese so much.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

China

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms weren't amazing but they were definitely livable and we had everything that we needed.

* Food:

The food in the dorms was okay 博文is the best dining hall.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved the culture everyone was so nice. However, there were of course some challenges in being a black person in China.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Because I had issues with my college email, I wasn't able to access my health insurance. Instead of everything being electronic the program should also send a paper copy of the insurance information.

* Safety:

Hangzhou felt like an incredibly safe city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was an incredible experience. My language skills improved so much. Any issues I had were really more of cultural conflicts.

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 was able to live pretty comfortably.

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

We had a language pledge so we had to use the language everyday every hour of the day.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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?
  • My roommate
  • Learning about the culture
  • How my Chinese Improved
* What could be improved?
  • Health Insurance
  • Communication
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had just purchased a Chinese phone from the beginning. I also wish that they had given us a packing list. When in Hangzhou, an umbrella is a necessity.

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!