Only in China. Past Review

By Julie S (Global Studies, University of the Pacific) for

USAC China: Chengdu - Chinese Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My study abroad experience has been really good. There are a lot of things you learn about yourself with a different group of people. I'm definitely better at international interaction as well as interaction between different personalities. I have not changed my academic interests or future plans.

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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Wentao Song was a fabulous program director. She was organized, full of facts, looked out for the best interest of the students, treated us like adults, and gave us the benefit of the doubt.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I liked having a kitchen, heater, my own bathroom, and living on the 11th floor!
* Food:	I wish they would have taught us earlier to use the cafeteria, but there are many food options within walking distance or delivery even.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Xi'an was one of my favorite cities and we went on an overnight field trip. 17 hours on a train there and back, definitely a cultural experience.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	We have phenomenal healthcare here. The program director was always helpful. Yes some vaccines were necessary but not required, like Hep B, Typhoid, and Tetanus.
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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	I probably spent about 600 kuai a week. Most goes to food, then transportation (like cabs), and phone. At the beginning of the year, account for things you want to put in your room, hangers, cups, etc.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Phones are monthly, so you have to account for that. Western food is more expensive. If you're staying 2 semesters account for that, because you're not going to want to eat Chinese food ALL the time.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
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?
Language acquisition improvement?	I had class and a language partner and in Chengdu you HAVE to practice Chinese because very few people speak English.

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Don't expect to be constantly moving, constantly doing something. You need to be active in seeking the experience you want. This is a program for a laid-back vibe. Chengdu is a huge city, but it is not fast-paced. It is a great place to live and learn.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Chinese Language Track 3
Course Department:
Instructor:	Lin Laoshi
Instruction Language:	English/Chinese
Comments:	Challenging, but graded on improvement. Had a working knowledge of both English and Chinese. Helpful, fun, and would sometimes take us out to lunch for cultural activities. Great teacher.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Chinese Economics
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Terrible class. Teacher had subjective grading, had little knowledge on the topic, and failed to teach me anything that actually pertained to economics.
Credit Transfer Issues: