"Most amazing, incredible time of my life." Past Review
By Andrew B (International Business., Indiana University of Pennsylvania) for
University of Macau: Macau - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I've been able to form life-long friendships with people from literally every corner of this world. I have been exposed to many cultural differences and have learned to accept and respect them. I'm leaving Macau a much better, well-rounded person. It has given me the confidence to chase my dreams and truly believe I can do anything.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload wasn't as much as in America. This is partly because of the teaching methods. When it comes to exams there was only one midterm and one final, where as in the US we usually have at least 3 exams throughout the semester, then one final (which I prefer). Also here in Macau we did many group projects. In the US I'm more used to independently working and depending on myself. I think it's evident that American schools are a little more evolved, however, I had great professors and learned a lot. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The guys in charge of student affairs (exchange students) here in Macau were great. They were very helpful and involved with the exchange students. When it comes to the teaching faculty, there is a large diversity of professors from all over the world. Mine were all Chinese and I would rate them as average. They were very intelligent teachers, but most lectures were purely powerpoint based. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My roommates were all Chinese. They were very antisocial. I tried to talk with them and encourage them to come out, but they were hesitant. My roommate whom I shared a room with barely ever would communicate with me. Macau is a very, very safe city. And when it comes to nightlife, Macau is great, hense the "Las Vegas of China". It is also in close proximity to Hong Kong which is quite convienent. |
| * Food: |
The food is much different here, obviously. However, Macau is very westernized, therefore you can find any kind of food that suits your needs. There is a GREAT cafe on campus that has really good food! Food will not be a problem for you here. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Wow, I can't say enough about the fun I've had here. It has by far been the most amazing experience of my life. There were 70 exchange students here in Macau, and they are all so awesome. We have so much fun together everywhere we go. Macau is the perfect traveling hub. During my stay here I was able to go to Taiwan, Philippines, (Mainland China several times), Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia. Travel is very convenient here. AMAZING. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Macau is a VERY safe city, with a very, very low crime rate. Healthcare is great. University of Macau provides insurance for 120MOP (15USD). I was sick at one point, and they provided the necessary antibiotics. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 level |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The University of Macau is an English speaking university. I took a mandarin course, but learned very little |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are looking for a big cultural change, with a little bit of a western blend, Macau is perfect. Here you have old Portuguese style building mixed with Chinese and the highly developing Vegas style hotels and casinos. You will be engaged with students from all over the world and will be able to travel throughout southeast Asia. I HIGHLY recommend this program. I cherish my experience here so much. |
