Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

China was incredible and surprising in all the best ways. Past Review

By (University of Colorado - Boulder) - abroad from 05/17/2017 to 06/02/2017 with

University of Colorado Boulder: China - Doing Business in China, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I found some self strength. I am a home body, and was very worried about being on the other side of the world (literally) from everything familiar. The first 2 days were kinda tough but once I was in it, I didn't want to leave. You will come out stronger, braver, and more confident than you ever imagined. This was a life changing trip and I learned about China and Business, but also about myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I wouldn't say that the academic part was hard, but there was definitely some time management necessary to make sure fun didn't trump the reason we were there.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotels were super nice, but the wifi was incredibly spotty which made homework difficult...

* Food:

The food was great most of the time, we consistently had troubles with nuts on this trip. (we had someone allergic and kept ordering things with nuts). Would have preferred to order things myself more often.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish we had the chance to learn the language or even just go over some phrases. it was kind of just a figure it out type situation, which was fine, but it would have been a fun group thing to do.

* 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

I 100% would do it again. I already am using what I learned in China in classes I'm taking this summer following my arrival home. I had fun, made friends, and explored a new part of the world. What more could i ask for?

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? oh, not much. probably the equivalent to like $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I saved from the moment i got accepted to the moment I left. Every paycheck i received, at least 30% went into my savings for the trip. I ended up having way more than I needed. Just try to pull out money every time you have any and it accumulates quick. Save more than you think you need, its always nice to have some spending money and a safety net.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The friends I met
  • Exploring tourist sites
  • Meeting with businesses
* What could be improved?
  • WIFI
  • Communication from professor to student
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to take some adaptor plugs. china is technically the same as the US plug wise, but sometimes the US plugs that have one large side and one small side don't work. My laptop & my hair straightener wouldn't fit and the hotels didn't have adaptors. ALSO- use the school VPN and download a better one BEFORE YOU GO! I had the school one on my phone and paid $12 for one month of ExpressVPN and was able to access everything including netflix which was super nice to have before bed time. be sure to download it BEFORE leaving the US otherwise its super hard to do.

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!