Past Review

By (Government, The University of Texas at Austin) for

University of Texas - Austin: Beijing - Government Maymester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From day one, this has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It opens your eyes to a completely different part of the world and immerses you in a brand new culture. It's so easy to get caught up in the American way of life, and I believe every student should take the time to study abroad. While in China, I realized how much I would love to work and live in a foreign country. There's so much opportunity abroad and I don't want to miss out.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Tsinghua University
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.

The class was very interesting and engaging. It was great to have so many speakers come to us from China and give us their perspective on their own country.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed at the international student dorms at Tsinghua University. Overall, it was a very nice facility. The bed was very hard and a little uncomfortable at first. <br /><br />

* Food:

If you're a vegetarian, China is probably not the best place to visit. Most of the food contains some bit of meat, or has been cooked with meat or a meat broth. However, if you're adventurous China has plenty of good food to offer. I would recommend searching for restaurants that have pictures as well as some English translations so you have a better idea of what you're eating.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

As long as you stay with one or two other people, you should be safe. The bigger the group the better.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I wasn't aware that the money on our meal cards at the university was part of our program cost. I wish we could have received back the money we hadn't spent during the month.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? In traveling to China, you need to be ready for an adventure. You'll see things you've never imagined, and probably won't see in any place else.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

U.S. - China Relations

Course Department: GOV 360N
Instructor: Peter Trubowitz
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The professor was very knowledgeable and well prepared. I just found it odd that for over half the lecture periods we had guest speakers come instead of the professor.
Credit Transfer Issues: