Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An enjoyable and productive stay in Kunming Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/01/2018 to 06/08/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Kunming

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile, I improved my language abilities and confidence when speaking and also became more knowledgeable about China's history and culture.

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

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300
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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living with a Chinese roommate
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Let us transfer credits
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How intensive the course load would be--I often didn't have time to go outside and see the city after finishing my work for the day, and I wish I could've explored more.

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:

Business Chinese
Course Department:
Instructor: Professor Zhang
Instruction Language: Mandarin
Comments: The course was challenging and very interesting, and we learned a lot of useful vocabulary. For some lessons it became overly technical and the words/grammar we learned would only be useful for a business major.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

International News
Course Department:
Instructor: Professor Ma
Instruction Language: Mandarin
Comments: Very interesting, we discussed our views of politics and the views within China. We got to discuss censorship with an expert which I enjoyed very much. I wish we could've spent more time discussing.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

One on One
Course Department:
Instructor: Professor Ma
Instruction Language: Mandarin
Comments: I enjoyed discussing a variety of topics with my professor and she was extremely helpful whenever I had any questions or difficulties.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Yunnan Impressions 2
Course Department:
Instructor: Professor Zhang
Instruction Language: Mandarin
Comments: This course was extremely interesting and taught me a lot about the area where I was living, as well as about the differences between various regions in China.
Credit Transfer Issues: