Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing to say the least Past Review

By (English - Secondary Education, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 07/05/2012 to 08/08/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: Dongguan - UNI Summer Camp in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater appreciation for all countries and people of the world, including my own along with all of the many gifts and luxuries that I have at home. I became a more worldly person knowing now that America does not necessarily do 'it' the best.

Review Photos

University of Northern Iowa: Dongguan - UNI Summer Camp in China Photo University of Northern Iowa: Dongguan - UNI Summer Camp in China Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Before you buy the lastest toy or gadget ask yourself, 'do I really need this already fated to be outdated (thing)?' Work as hard as you possibly can with your goal and reward being traveling abroad.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Being surrounded by something so completely different from what I experience on a regular basis.
  • The people, food, and teaching experience.
  • The cost of living.
* What could be improved?
  • The administration-teacher communication.
  • Thorough pre-assessments for teachers to know where their students are capable of prior to the first day of class.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A more extensive knowledge of Chinese culture and customs.