My life will never be the same. Past Review

By (Finance, Financial Services, University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 03/03/2016 to 03/13/2016 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 so much about China's role in the world and how its changing to become even more important. I would not hesitate to do it again.

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.

The schedule was very demanding and rigorous which was absolutely necessary because we needed to fit a lot into 10 days!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Asia Institute and our Program coordinators did a fantastic job of organizing the whole program and making all of us feel at home.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Each of the hotels that we stayed in were top class which made the adjustment to a country such as China much easier.

* Food:

I like Chinese food but I certainly did not think I was prepared to eat it for 10 days straight! That being said I enjoyed it every single time and have now even found myself craving it at home!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because the program coordinators had us speaking fragments of Chinese from the first day I think that it helped makes us feel comfortable with the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe because the program coordinators were such great people and they did not let us get into trouble!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I thought that this program was outstanding in each and every way possible. We really were able to see and experience a lot that gave us all a tremendous insight about China.

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? $400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You may not think you would need it but withdraw more money at the start!

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

  • Local Students
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 variety of activities we did
* What could be improved?
  • See a different variety of businesses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not run the chance of running out of deodorant!!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.