Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing! Past Review

By (Econometrics and Quantitative Economics., Tufts University) - abroad from 08/10/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a much better proficiency in the language and the chance to meet people both int'l and Chinese that I will keep in touch with for a while! Absolutely a worthwhile experience.

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?

Dorms were conducive to meeting other international students, but made it more difficult to meet Chinese students.

* Food:

Great options for eating out in the near vicinity, but the kitchens were small so cooking for yourself wasn't the most convenient.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since you live in dorms and take classes with int'l students, it definitely takes initiative and extra effort to engage with people outside of that community.

* 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)

Because of how cheap traveling around and eating in China is, we had more than enough money to spend for whatever expenses were necessary.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? None at all!

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chinese 4
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Amount of traveling
  • Intensive language study
* What could be improved?
  • The culture class we were required to take - the Chinese Legal Studies was one some found very unenjoyable.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A better idea of how I'd use my finances.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'