A challenging yet rewarding semester at Zhejiang University Past Review

By Michael T (Economics., Tufts University) for

Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Yes - I feel like I better understand Asian culture and how a poorer population gets by every day. It's easier for me to understand the whole world as a result of living in China.

Personal Information

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

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Professors were qualified and provided adequate amounts of work
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	RD Jay was fantastic, helped us settle in and with any issues we had with the university or our daily lives
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Single with private bathroom and shower. By and large very nice and adequate. International students' dorm <br /><br /> Great location in the city on campus and good facilities mostly
* Food:	Great variety and choice
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Easy to meet international students
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	China is very safe for foreigners. RD present to help us with health issues and mediccations
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?	Maybe $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	$300 a month stipend goes a long way in China. Can easily go all four months without spending any of your own money.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?	I feel much more comfortable speaking Chinese

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Don't expect the culture shock to go away immediately. Prepare for a challenging yet rewarding experience.