Past Review
By Katherine B (Public Administration., SUNY - Binghamton) for
SUNY Binghamton: Shenzhen - Understanding Contemporary China
My experience in China was definitely worthwhile. I learned so much more about the culture than I ever could have from simply reading about it in a textbook.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Winter 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I enjoyed the seminars we attended at Shenzhen, and the research paper topics that we were able to choose from were interesting. I learned a lot as I did research for my paper. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt that the program was well-planned for the most part. The orientation could have been better; however, I was generally satisfied with the way the program was administered. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We stayed in the International Students' Dormitory. My only complaints are the lack of hot water in the showers and the insufficient laundry facilities (there weren't enough washers to accomodate the entire dormitory building, and some of the washers were broken). <br /><br /> The location of our housing was great. |
| * Food: |
The food on campus was good, but the food off campus was great; I would suggest that future students seek out different dining spots off campus. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I enjoyed interacting with Shenzhen University students; in addition, I enjoyed "Splendid China," a theme park that includes miniature versions of historic Chinese places. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The Professor from Binghamton University who led our trip, Tom Sinclair, made sure to be aware of students' health needs and assisted them when they were sick. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent approximately $25 on food each week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | There weren't any unanticipated expenses. Food was very cheap in China compared to what it costs in the U.S. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I only learned basic Chinese, so I didn't know how to say too many words in Chinese. I would like to learn more. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't expect everything to go perfectly - be open minded. and make sure to take advantage of "free time" - explore Shenzhen and other nearby cities if you have the chance. Pack light, but make sure to bring layers of clothing - the temperature varies quite a bit. |
