Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Go to MIC Kunming!! Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/31/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Kunming

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
the language pledge forces you to come out of your comfort zone and rely the language to build relationships with those around you.

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.

Amazing experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think the administration of an academic program can make or break one's experience. I think what makes the Kunming program special is the staff and teacher's care for well-being and their appreciation of our input.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in a renovated hotel with our Chinese roommates.

* Food:

The food in Kunming is amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Lots of extra-curricular activities are provided to help you experience Kunming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

With any abroad experience, you have to be aware of your surroundings. However, Kunming for the most part is very safe location.

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

I would choose MIC-Kunming because I've never had a semester at college where I've loved every class I was taking, while being around amazing warm people everyday.

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)

Living abroad in China was very inexpensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? If you ate at the dining halls and go to language tables, then you can easily save money. The food in the surrounding area is also very inexpensive and tasty.

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

There is a signed language pledge.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to your roommates!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Classes
  • Teachers
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Location of classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Kunming has a very warm climate, but it does get cold. I wish I brought warmer clothing.

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:

Experience Kunming

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Lots of field trips!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Ancient Chinese
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: It was very challenging, however it was one of my favorite classes.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary Social Issues in China
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Amazing class! Take it if you can.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

One on One

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Research something that interests you.
Credit Transfer Issues: