I would not hesitate to return. It was a trip of a lifetime. Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/01/2012 to 06/14/2012 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Education in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained at least one life long friend and several new acquaintances from China.

Review Photos

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Education in China Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Education in China Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Education in China Photo

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.

The program was academically rigorous.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The sponsors performed above average.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My only concern was that we did not have stable housing when we first arrived which was very unnerving, but after that, the housing was excellent.

* Food:

I was able to choose between local food and western food most of the time, but I really enjoyed the local cuisine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had positive experiences integrating with people and local cultures - more so than with members of my own group.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was very sick the entire time, but my sponsors saw to it that I was always taken care of.

* Safety:

Safety was excellent at all times. There were no issues.

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)

I had a budget to feed myself and obtain local transportation. I live on financial aid and cannot afford extras, but I have been on two other trips and this was not an issue.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you do not want to buy souvenirs, $100 a week will take care of it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • My focus was on gaining entrance to educational institutions for visits and that was fulfilled.
* What could be improved?
  • Another travel agency should be selected.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I did not have trouble with anything like that because I had been to China before.