Kicking Back in Nanjing Past Review
By Jeremy J (German, University of Mississippi) for
Nanjing University: Nanjing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I'd do it all again in a heartbeat, the city itself is an amazing and unique setting in developing China. While providing an international feel, the city itself has the unique ability of being able to enjoy a slower life pace than other metropolitan cities in the world, perhaps due to the presence of the city's historic culture which still lurks throughout the city. There is an inherent inability for trends to survive here - crime and the stress common in urban environments cannot take root, dynasties have historically used Nanjing as their capital, only to be crumbled - Nanjing is an unconquerable city which will always be unique in itself, and the city itself refused to fall to bombardment during World War II. Nanjing is a city with its own attitude and will, that will forever remain immune to outside forces. The city provides great opportunites to learn about Chinese history, and a great opportunity in the passionate and friendly local people, who are never in so much of a rush to refuse a conversation.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The education system in China is quite poor - teachers are not experienced in teaching foreign students in ways that promote learning and undertanding of course material. On the contrary, traditional teaching methods (such as rote learning) and heavy emphasis on textbook materials are incorporated. However, although the classroom experiences are not quite helpful, the out of class experiences are enough to make up for this shortcoming. Just get out and meet people to make up for the lack of learning in class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There are few channels to go through for any problems faced in this institution. And office workers in this institution arrive to work late, and are not motivated to do their work. It's every man for themself! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing is cheap here compared to Western nations. The 3-star hotel on campus is often painted as the international student dormitory, but in actuality it is a hotel open for all people. room size is flexible, but one must pay for electricity used. Also, maid service is provided, but must be paid for. Washing clothes is expensive, even in terms of a superior currency. Neighborhood is extremely safe, as the city is perhaps the most safe in the entire country. Locals are very friendly. City has unique culture and great feel. It's industrialized yet the life pace is very relaxed. Univeristy is located in city center, but maintains a natural feel with an abundance of trees and shrubberies lining the sidewalks. It also has convenient access to eateries, bars, clubs, museums, etc. Also, the street is a hot spot for taxis, which means convenience for transportation. The subway system is only 10 minutes walk, and is quite advanced, featuring multiple lines to take one into different parts of the city. Overall, location and surroundings are this university's best attribute. |
| * Food: |
Restaruants are plentiful , and food is extremely cheap. If one finds themself missing the cuisine of their home country, it can easily be found nearby in the sector buzzing with both foreign and high class restaurants. And if one prefers to eat typical chinese food, there are countless shops, and prices are extremley affordable. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This city has a long history and plays an important cultural role in the history of this country, being the capital for several dynasties. It is also the burial site of the first President. It is also a site for the tragic episode in Chinese history that took place prior to World War II. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
So long as one has health insurance in this country, they're pretty safe. The important thing is to avoid obvious risks or dangerous , such as running into traffic or eating uncooked foods. Hostpitals are not very advanced, but recently the city has built an advanced hospital that is apparently up to current standards. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Language acquisition is not a strict goal, no real grades are issued until the final exam. And demonstration of language ability and acqusition of course knowledge are nearly non existent prior to the exam. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take your classes seriously, but don't place heavy expecations for them to make yourself better - instead take advantage of your surroundings - the historical and entertainment facilities around you- and do your best to go out and make friends with the locals. This is the best way to improve oneself, better than studying in any institution! |
