Past Review
By amanda U (Chinese/Japanese Studies, Valparaiso University) for
Valparaiso University: Fall Hangzhou Study Program
This was a great experience. I've learned so much about Chinese culture, what it's really like and what the people are really like. My language has improved so much and it could never have happened without me being so immersed in the culture and in daily Chinese life. I had a great time, learned a lot and plan to be back to China in 5 years or so!
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Chinese teachers were fantastic. They know what they're doing and they will go above and beyond to make sure you understand. My Chinese has improved beyond what I had ever expected. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Jigang was wonderful. Helpful, friendly and always there when you needed him or made sure someone else was there to help if he was unavailable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Single room with a small attached bathroom. <br /><br /> The dorms are nice but there is no central heating or air conditioning and if you go over the set amount of KW, which is not a lot, then you have to pay for more and wait for them to turn your electricity back on. Otherwise the dorm is very convenient. The location is great and nothing is too far away. Plus, everyone knows where the campus is which is great for when you're first learning your way around.The people are friendly and generally helpful. |
| * Food: |
Great food, extremely convenient and very very cheap. You can get a lot of food for a little money. They generally have a good variety of food and if you dont like it there are plenty of places nearby. Especially near West Lake. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The people are generally incredibly friendly. It's easy to become friends with locals here. At the markets, we've made good friends with numerous people which is nice because they gave us the best deals every time! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We actually got sick a lot. Since we're all in a dorm that spreads germs easily and sanitation is not a huge thing here; if one of us got sick the rest of us would eventually get sick too. Bring western medication because chinese medicine is usually just herbs of some sort. Adjusting to the food was difficult but it happens and you get over it. Dont use too much hand sanitizer because you'll definitely weaken your immune system. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Depending on where you eat food can cost anywhere between $10-$30 a week. Shopping is a given and money goes fast here. I dont know if it's the ratio of USD to RMB but you generally spend a lot more than you think; it may be small amounts but it adds up. Everything is really cheap compared to home though. So be prepared for some shopping at all the markets. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Always bargain. If they dont take what you ask for, just walk away and they'll almost always yell after you and take what you offered. Never pay what they ask for (even in nice places you can always ask for it to be cheaper or ask to pay a certain amount). |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The complete immersion in the culture, the Chinese language classes I was taking, and the people I met all helped my language abilities immensely. I think the greatest aid in improving my language was the absolute need to use the language on a daily basis pretty much wherever I went. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes 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? | China's great. But like anything else, it can only give you what you make out of it. There are going to be ups and downs but in the end it all worth it. And don't be afraid to get out there, use your Chinese as much as possible, see as much as you can and get to know some people outside of your original group too. |
