Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Awesome experience! Tai bangle! Past Review

By (University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 03/05/2015 to 03/15/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the Chinese culture, visited historic sites we'd studied about and visited companies to get an understanding of how businesses operate. We also interacted with the management at each of the companies to get their insight into operating private or state owned enterprises that were either mid sized or large. We met students from China as well and through interactions with them and program coordinators got to experience China's culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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)

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

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

  • Americans
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?
  • People
  • Planning
  • Amount of activities
* What could be improved?
  • Should have stayed longer!!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have started learning Mandarin before going, that way I could have developed my skills much more with the help of our program coordinators!

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!