Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was awesome and I wish it could have lasted longer! Past Review

By (Political Science, Economics, Barnard College) - abroad from 02/20/2012 to 06/18/2012 with

Tsinghua University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the differences of cultures around the world and how and why each countries' view the things they view the way they do. The experience was very worthwhile because I was able to open my eyes to lots of different things and see things in a new and different angle.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Tsinghua University
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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Level 4 Advanced Chinese
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Watch more Chinese TV shows or movies. Practice reading more advanced Chinese books.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • I was able to greatly improve the language since I was basically thrown into the local student's classes
  • Aside from meeting local students, I was also able to meet many international students, which not only enhanced my knowledge of one country, but many countries.
  • Everybody, local students, professors, international students, and even the locals, were all very helpful and friendly. There was always something to do in Beijing.
* What could be improved?
  • The amount of help and information we receive before the departing to Beijing should be more detailed.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew not to apply to a one-time visa so that I could travel to countries outside of China and still be able to return without paying a lot more.