Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Invaluable Learning Experience, Once Had Need Not Be Repeated. Past Review

By (Architecture, Mandarin, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/06/2014 to 01/11/2014 with

Tsinghua University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile in cultural understanding, but not as worthwhile as a semester at home in terms of developing degree-oriented knowledge.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

Clean and Inexpensive. Easy to make friends.

* Food:

If you like Chinese food, it is paradise.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Best way for me was group projects with Chinese students.

* 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? No

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)

Food and housing are very reasonable, as is in-country travel.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $70

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? 6th Semester 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? Talk to Chinese people. Watch Chinese TV shows. Go to Chinese plays.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Other
* 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?
  • Chinese Students
  • Chinese Food
  • Chinese Language Everywhere
* What could be improved?
  • Not much
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I learnt it all on the way, which was the point of going, so no knowledge is necessary beforehand.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!