Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My trip was absolutely awesome I was amazed by the beauty and history! Past Review

By (Rider University) - abroad from 03/10/2017 to 03/19/2017 with

Rider University: Study Tour to China, Hosted by the Asia Institute – Beijing, Shenzhen, Hong Kong

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a ton of information while I was here. Whether it was something about the culture or history. I would say this was an amazing opportunity that was definitely worth it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thought the mix between cultural learning and business visits were perfect! The resources given were very helpful it was definitely well planned!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the hosts were so nice and extremely helpful! Everything was very well planned.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All of the places we stayed at were in a great location and very clean! I felt safe everywhere we stayed along with being in walking distance to malls and resturaunts!!

* Food:

It was great being able to try different foods. Sometimes it is overwhelming ordering food in another country, especially one you don't speak the language. They did a great job with picking different resturaunts to give us a taste of a little bit of everything.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really felt like there was a good mix of being able to venture out on our own and walking around with the guides. It was a perfectly planned trip!

* 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

I would definitely do this over again and am hoping to go back in my near future!!

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)

It was very easy to afford the food and other costs. I spent about 200 but that is only because I did a lot of shopping while I was there. The 200 I spent included food costs and all of my shopping so things were very affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200 in 10 days
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No things are affordable

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

It was encouraged we try to learn some of the language but there were people there to help if needed!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I used Google translate to try to learn some stuff previous to leaving.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The Great Wall
  • Hong Kong
* What could be improved?
  • N/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I thought I was well prepared for the trip

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.