Past Review

By (Sociology and Latin American Studies, SUNY - Binghamton) for

Southwestern University of Finance and Economics: Chengdu - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grasp an immense appreciation for Chinese culture and history which is priceless. I tried things that I would normally stay away from in the States, like frog and I am glad that I went into the trip with an open mind, I left with a better appreciation than some other students

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Sichuan Agricultural University
The term and year this program took place: Winter 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The few times that we were in a classroom setting the professors taught at a very good pace and were very understanding of the language barrier

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were always so welcoming and catered to all of our needs, they also always made sure we were comfortabel

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A hotel the first week, and a foreign guest house in the UNiversity the second week <br /><br /> Everything was so well put together and confortable

* Food:

Chinese eat a lot of pork, nuts, and soy products which I am allergic to so sometimes it was difficult for me to eat, but when I ate everything was awesome

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved experiencing a new culture and learning the history of the country

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Any symptoms that a student had were immediately addressed. At the University our temperature was taken on a daily basis

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? We never had to buy food but I would have extra snacks sometimes and I went shopping alot so I spent $400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bargain!!!!

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

I was there for two weeks

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Shop around before you buy and never go anywhere alone. Sometimes beauty salon are actually places for prostitution