Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

As a future teacher, I now have great stories to share with my students! Past Review

By (Elementary Education, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 07/11/2013 to 08/13/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to figure things out in a culture that is very different from the United States. I also had to make do with not knowing the language, and we all had to adjust to a different schedule and way of living. It was worthwhile because I got to know my students and they taught me so much about China!

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $30 per week (meals were provided)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? no

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

  • Other
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?
  • Working with kids
  • Traveling to Beijing and seeing the Great Wall, etc.
  • Shopping
* What could be improved?
  • Organization and planning
  • Cost (it was misleading)
  • More preparation on teaching topics and less on learning about landmarks that we learn about while we are in China
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? China is very dirty, and it was hard to adjust to. I also with that I got to know more about the students, their backgrounds, and their ability levels before I got into the classroom.

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!