Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Quick Trip Through China Past Review

By (Accounting, University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 03/07/2013 to 03/17/2013 with

University of Pittsburgh: China - INNOVATE, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better appreciation for the Chinese culture. I absolutely think the trip was worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I got to see so many different important and historical tourist sites, tour major cities and international businesses, meet many new friends, and have experiences of a lifetime.

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?

The hotel accommodations were amazing!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The activities planned during the program really helped me get a good idea of the Chinese culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe if any of the places we went, even the large cities.

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? $30-40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I think the most money (outside of the program cost) spent during this trip was on souvenirs, so it is entirely up to the student studying abroad how much they want to spend.

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?
  • The Host Students
  • Shanghai
  • The tourist attractions
* What could be improved?
  • More free time to explore the cities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish we had been given more information on the subway system. It would have made traveling around the cities by ourselves much easier.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.