Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Experience of My LIfe Thus Far :) Past Review

By (BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES., University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 07/01/2012 to 08/11/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: Taipei - UNI Biology and Psychology Research in Taiwan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained lifelong friends, cultural enhancements, worldly experience, international connectedness, and lasting memories.

Review Photos

University of Northern Iowa: Taipei - UNI Biology Research in Taiwan Photo University of Northern Iowa: Taipei - UNI Biology Research in Taiwan Photo University of Northern Iowa: Taipei - UNI Biology Research in Taiwan Photo University of Northern Iowa: Taipei - UNI Biology Research in Taiwan Photo University of Northern Iowa: Taipei - UNI Biology Research in Taiwan 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.

The Chinese Language course was intriguing. I learned a lot in a short period of time, but it was not stressful by any means. The lab portion of the trip was less informative. It was fun to participate with the graduate students, but there was a lot less active learning going on for the trip participants.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone involved in the program is very helpful and overly hospitable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The International House (IHouse) was in a great location. The staff is extremely accommodating, and I enjoyed every minute of my stay there.

* Food:

Don't plan on making your own meals. You can survive for $5 or less per DAY. There are many great eateries that one MUST experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people of Taiwan are great! They are helpful to all foreigners. I took off one-half of a star only because I struggled not knowing the language at times, but you can usually find someone that knows English if you need help!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues, so I can't justly answer this. Ignore the rating.

* Safety:

Taipei, Taiwan is a very safe city. I was out late into the early morning most nights and I never had any negative experiences. Taiwan, in general, is known for being a safe place to travel. There is always some risk, but I felt safe throughout my stay.

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)

Taiwan was VERY inexpensive. That includes meals, travel, entertainment, other personal expenses. I can't put an amount, but in total, I think I spent around $800-1000 dollars in 6 weeks. It was only higher because I had goodies to bring back for my family!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be sure to use your student discount! A lot of tourism spots offer this! Also, use the metro/bus instead of a cab! The metro and bus cost about 50 cents compared to a 5+ dollar cab ride.

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

I was a beginner, but I practiced with the other students, the university students, and when I was out traveling. It wasn't required, but it was fun!

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intro to Chinese course
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Your teacher will provide you with all the best ways to learn. Just practice with friends because it's stress-free and more fun!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Meeting new (amazing) people
  • The FOOD
  • Traveling throughout the beautiful island
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-program preparedness
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to organize travel opportunities. I traveled a lot, but organizing that was stressful because I didn't know my way around that well. It helps to read a travel book or two to have some general information under your belt.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.