I love China, it is my new home! Past Review
By Brian P (asian studies, California State University - Chico) for
USAC China: Chengdu - Chinese Language and Culture
It was definitely a life changing experience, and I am very lucky to be able to continue living here.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Director Wentao Song is very knowledgeable and helpful. She has been doing this for years, so she has seen and dealt with every scenario. You will get a deeper understanding of China and its culture in a short time. The language courses are tough because they have an entire semester of Chinese packed into a five week course (3 hours a day, 4 days a week), but they are useful and will help you learn quick. I came for one semester, stayed a second, and am still in Chengdu almost a full year later. You will either love it or hate it here...it really depends on you. If you love new and exciting experiences, can adjust well to new situations, and love spicy foods I urge you to sign up for this program. You won't be disappointed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
This is a safe area. Living in the dorm you are in the same building as where your classes will be held, and living in the apartments you are only a 10 minute walk away. You will want to buy some creature comforts when you arrive but don't worry things are readily available. |
| * Food: |
Food is great here. It is spicy, but there are non-spicy alternatives, as well as many western food places. You will pay more fore the western food but less than you would back home. The local foods are quite inexpensive. I can't remember the last time I ate in. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This is the capital of Sichuan, and there is always something happening. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Health issues will arise but the medical facilities here are extremely cheap and Wentao will see to it that you are well taken care of. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
most people do not speak English in Chengdu, but you can get by with very little Chinese |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Come to China. If you want an inexpensive and culture rich environment come to Chengdu. If money isn't a hindrance go to Beijing. You should be outgoing, adaptive, flexible, and enthusiastic. |
