Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not Goodbye, Just See You Later July 28, 2025

By (Chinese Language and Environmental Studues, Wofford College) - abroad from 02/13/2025 to 05/30/2025 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Taiwan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned not only Chinese language but Taiwanese language, culture, history, and current events. I also gained many many friendships that I keep up with almost everyday.

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.

* 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

This program made me love learning and practicing languages again, and has made me want to live and work abroad. This program was the perfect experience to encourage learning and bonding with those you work with.

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)

Taiwan is cheap so fairly easy

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 401
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? Never miss an opportunity to use your Chinese, even if you’re scared.

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
  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Administration
  • Friends
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Some class activities could be more supportive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to be more patient with myself, something I had to learn through experience

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!