Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exceeded expectations; so well put together Past Review

By (Villanova University) - abroad from 06/11/2016 to 06/24/2016 with

Villanova University: China – MBA Studies in International Business, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My mind/adrenaline was in overdrive, so I captured so many memories. I learned many of those inexplicable cultural nuances of interacting with and experiencing an alternative culture.

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.

"Rigor" & "intensity" aren't really what I expected or wanted on this trip, so a low rating for them is really a very good thing. However, in terms of cultural learning and "resources", it was a FANTASTIC trip, way exceeded expectations.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very organized, really friendly, and invaluable. Literal life saving staff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was pampered with 5 star hotels

* Food:

Very good. Good authentic experiences and flexibility to do your own thing as appropriate

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Um, this is a hard one to rank, because I have an undergrad degree in East Asian studies with some language background, however -this- trip in particular was with MBA students who didn't necessarily want to be in the nitty gritty of "local culture". Indeed, some students went to "Hooters" multiple nights and actively sought out Burger Kings... So, probably not the most integrated, but appropriately so for the type of trip it was.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not applicable

* Safety:

We received advice and direction on how to stay safe. Furthermore, we stayed in pretty respectable areas where trouble was only found if ppl looked for it.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Partnering with the Asia Institute made traveling seamless- seriously, it was as if all of the stressful details of being in a foreign country disappeared. We were comfortably shown from one great attraction to another then finally taken to luxuriant 5-star hotels.

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)

Um, again this is hard to say because I didn't try to live modestly on this trip. It was probably very possible, however, I eagerly spent as liberally as possible to collect all the souvenir's I could and get plenty of massages while overseas.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Like $700 USD/ week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't try to save money, you can collect money at home but you can only buy these things and experiences when you're in-country.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • China as a country/culture
  • Having really smart guides/translators who were SO willing to help
  • The diversity and pure variety of experiences
* What could be improved?
  • Unfortunately, one of the guides was a little underwhelming and definitely needed more personality
  • Pre-trip research/assignments and info about things we would be seeing to heighten anticipation
  • Also, maybe having one more guide (like 3-4 guides for our group of 15) would allow for smaller groups to break off when we had free time and explore more independently
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had taken more time to brush up on my Chinese language skills with discipline before heading out

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'