Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

USAC Chengdu is an all-around decent time Past Review

By (Hospitality Administration, Washington State University) - abroad from 08/24/2015 to 12/11/2015 with

USAC China: Chengdu - Chinese Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Lots of language skills gained. Also, I'm pretty good with chopsticks.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Intense language courses

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was awesome

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Compared to the way most people in the city live, our dorms were amazing

* Food:

Good if you like spicy food and white rice

* 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)

Chengdu is the cheapest place on Earth

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? you can survive off of about $4-$5 U.S. dollars a day for food

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chinese 204
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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?
  • City
  • USAC Staff
  • USAC Staff again
* What could be improved?
  • More assistance with figuring out University services
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing really

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!