A Small World Past Review

By (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?
From going to China, I learned that the world is a small place. Experiencing the Chinese culture through my students was truly rewarding. I will forever hold my new friends in my heart. I hope that I can go to China again soon!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? Less than $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You will do A LOT of shopping. Decide early what you would like to purchase and budget appropriately.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Making new best friends
  • Embracing cultural differences
  • Climbing the Great Wall of China
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between leaders and teachers
  • Instructions on what is expected while teaching
  • Less shopping time, more cultural experiences
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Spend time or money on gifts for your students and TAs. They will become your really close friends, and at the end of your time together, you will want to give them something memorable.