Going Abroad? Go to China! Past Review
By Nick C (Aerospace Engineering, Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for
Penn State University: The Impact of History, Culture, Society and Environment on Engineering Design in China
I learned a lot about the Chinese culture and society. Conversing with locals was a great portion of the trip. It was an outstanding experience to see all the places I saw and if you get the chance to go you should definitely experience it yourself. I'd never have been willing to fill all this out if I didn't think others should experience it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This study abroad course is offered to students in the College of Engineering at all Penn State campuses. It is a 3 credit course that consists of a tour through China, a couple assignments, and term paper at the end. Based on the buildings in China this course consisted of a lot of moving around. Grading was very easy. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Strengths: a lot of fun, easy credits, great professor, and a great country. Weaknesses: not much, the unknown. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We moved constantly I slept in multiple hotels, on trains, and a cruiseship. Mattresses aren't the best in the world. |
| * Food: |
Absolutely amazing. You just must be willing to open up to new things. Dumplings in Shanghai are awesome. Dalian for seafood. Chongqing for spicy food. If you don't know Chinese find a place with pictures and point! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was a great experience. Being on the Great Wall was amazing. We only had a few hours there I wish I had more. Terracotta warriors in Xian were awesome...take a bike ride around the Xian city wall its worth the bumpy ride if you can have fun with it. Shanghai was the best city to be in. A lot of fun and great nightlife but the Shanghai World Expo was definitely not worth the wait. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Just watch yourself in crowded areas. Pick-pocketing is common with foreigners but as long as you pay attention you won't be bothered. Also the Chinese are just trying to get some money. If you turn to fight they won't touch you. Food didn't bother me at all only the fastfood did but that's just me. Don't drink the water. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't buy to little. Everything is cheap you just have to bargain for it. I'm disappointed I didn't buy more. Don't do that to yourself. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English. I learned a minimal amount of Mandarin before my departure but I highly suggest taking a course or learning a little on your own before you get there. Having knowledge of the language is of course highly beneficial. |
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? | Someone that likes to have a lot of fun. Nothing wrong with a little partying with the locals. And definitely have to be outgoing and willing to try some new things. |
