Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wonderful Experience with Wonderful People Past Review

By (Masters of Business Administration, University of Texas - El Paso / UTEP) - abroad from 03/08/2015 to 03/14/2015 with

University of Texas El Paso: China - MBA Doing Business in China, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a tremendous amount about Chinese culture that you just never see in Texas. I'm so appreciative that I was able to experience Chinese life in both Beijing and Shanghai. I found nothing but friendly locals and interesting experiences at every corner. I'd visit again in a heartbeat.

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

The most welcoming team I've ever met.

* 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)

I was surprised at how inexpensive everything was. Very easy to live on a smaller budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $700 which included shopping, souvenirs, etc.

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

The team was helpful in teaching us common phrases.

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Learn common phrases ahead of time.

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?
  • The cultural excursions
  • The host team
  • Most of the company visits
* What could be improved?
  • The length, I'd love to stay just a few days longer in each city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it can be pretty difficult to communicate without any knowledge of the language at times.

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.