China: different, But Life Changing! Past Review
By Heath D (Business Teaching, University of Northern Iowa) for
University of Northern Iowa: Dalian - Global Skills Capstone in China
Yes it was worthwhile. Although I thought it was poorly planned, I made the best of every situation. It has given me a new look on foreign people in the US, and it has already taken shape for I have met many people from foreign countries while back in the US.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Strenghts: Brought different cultures together, good amount of free time, allowed practices of different languages, and met people from all over the world. Weaknesses: Very unorganized(Before and During), at times there seemed to be a disconnect between the US and Chinese leaders on communication, and lastly, this disconnect carried over to sub par communication from our US leader to the students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Maybe a little less seafood, but all in all it was very good! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Culture nights each country was able to have was very beneficial in understanding customs and cultures of the other countries |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
We needed it to speak to most people in the Chinese markets. We did use the language in everyday interactions, but a lot of the students were able to speak English, so they were able to act as translators if needed. A lot of the students did, but not too many of the people in the markets and companies that we went to. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Any business student would benefit from the program. You visit a lot of companies, and learn a lot about how business is opporated in another country. If anyone is looking into this trip, I would tell them to ask as many questions as they could before the trip to fully understand what they will be doing. Once in China, have an open mind, and more imprortantly have fun in everything you do! |
