Past Review

By Kelly R (International Business., Valparaiso University) for

Valparaiso University: Fall Hangzhou Study Program

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

I had a great time. I really came into my own. I enjoyed learning new things and meeting new people. It is a once in a lifetime experience and I would encourage everyone to go for it.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Zhejiang University Yuquan Campus
The term and year this program took place:	Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The academics were fantastic. My teachers were so helpful, and I improved my language skills by at least ten fold.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Jigang, the man in charge here could not be any nicer. He is on top of his game, and any question or problem we had, he took care of it right away. I had nothing but a great experience.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Nice and friendly people. <br /><br /> Located near alot of shops! The room was super nice with a private bathroom. I enjoyed it.
* Food:	I do not care for Chinese food. The fried rice here is very good though!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I really enjoyed getting to know the people of Hangzhou. They are all extremely friendly. For instance, a friend and I attended the International Fireworks Show. Everyone who sat next to use become friends of ours before the show was after.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I fell and hit my head in the bathroom. I went to a hospital where they spoke English. They took very good care of me.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

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 spent quite a bit of money because I love to shop. For food I probably spent around $20 a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Be ware of buying things at the market. They usually will always go lower, you have to bargain.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?	Being over in China really improved my language skils for several reasons. The most important being I am no longer timid to hold conversations with individuals who speak Chinese. Another reason is being immersed here, you learn and pick up things so much faster. I really learned to enjoy the language instead of dreading it.