Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye-opening Experience that Changed my perspective on the world and health Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/12/2016 to 07/24/2016 with

SIT Study Abroad: China - Community Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the basic theories of TCM and the root of Daoism and how that permeated throughout Chinese culture and history. It didn't only influence the development of how health is viewed but also the lifestyle of the people which I greatly admired and respected. I learned about the long history of the country and the local areas in which I visited. It was extremely worthwhile and rewarding.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Most of my educational learning is not from the materials in class, but from the people and my surroundings while I was there for 6 weeks. I learned a lot about myself, the culture, the customs, the history, and everything there is to learn about the place, and most importantly how TCM relates to the culture there. It's so much more than traditional Chinese Medicine.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I really loved the staff and everyone that was on the admin for the progran at Kunming. They were organized with every activity and class and kept us busy and engaged throughout the entire program. They were warm and welcoming, taught us a lot about the culture and TCM while keeping their professionalism at the same time. I really appreciated everyone that helped make my experience unforgettable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It wasn't like a 5-star hotel, but it was good enough. I enjoyed the location of the accomodation and how it's situated in the heart of the city, accessible to food, neccessities and etc.

* Food:

I love the food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I'm of Chinese heritage myself, so integrating wasn't particularly difficult. However, there are still cultural differences in terms of language and some inherent differences, Kunming being such a diverse place. Also, being integrated is also an effort made on my behalf. Anybody could choose to be as integrated and involved as they wish, depending on how open-minded they are and willing to learn about the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

very safe

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would, just because of the wonderful people and staff I met on the program. Even though the students on the program would be different, but the biggest reason this is a life changing experience for me was the things that I learned from this program in class and outside of class. There were so many thought provoking concepts throughout the program and I would do it all over again just to relive that.

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)

everything was cheap, so very easy to save money.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
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? don't be shy. it's okay to make mistakes but you have to speak and practice

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* 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?
  • people I met
  • the content about TCM in class
  • practical application of the knowledge we learned from class
* What could be improved?
  • excursions could be longer
  • homestays for summer sessions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? nothing. anything and everything I faced during the program I did not regret because it made my experience what it is and there's nothing I would change about it.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.