Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A 10 Day Cultural immersion! Past Review

By (MBA, Xavier University) - abroad from 02/28/2014 to 03/08/2014 with

Xavier University: Asia – MBA Doing Business in Southeast Asia, Hosted by the Asia Institute

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We were on our feet all day long! The program had great trips to Chinese businesses, and representatives were always available to give you more information or share their personal experiences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Honestly, this was one of the best planned trips I've ever attended. All the administrators were very helpful, well prepared, and ready for anything!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Excellent. If you truly want a taste of Chinese cuisine this program is excellent at introducing you to the many regional flavors. The restaurants we attended were very hospitable and served a wide variety of dishes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since my program was a short trip, we were really just visitors for a brief time. However, at each city we had cultural visits to see famous landmarks, museums, and learn more Chinese history.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

This trip was very safe, I never felt uncomfortable or threatened. However, we always had someone who spoke Chinese with us, perhaps it would be different if that was not the case.

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)

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The cultural visits
  • The sense of community with participants
  • Exploring different foods
* What could be improved?
  • Less early morning bus rides
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew a few common phrases in Chinese.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!