An amazing, inspirational, and enlightening adventure. Past Review
By Madison H (Studio Arts, Guilford College) - abroad from 02/18/2012 to 05/22/2012 with
Yunnan Minzu University: Kunming - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I have a much better understanding of the region's cultural and political situation, past and present. I also obtained a valuable perspective on how I fit into the world as an individual, and now have a clearer idea of what I want to do with my life. This trip was extremely beneficial to me as a scholar and as a human being.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Yunnan Nationalities University |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Constantly challenging and inspiring. I learned so much! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We stayed in a variety of locations, and got a wide range of perspectives on different lifestyles. |
| * Food: |
Amazing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As visitors, we could not be fully integrated, but got a good taste. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Not quite what we have access to in the states, but fully capable of dealing with any serious situations. |
| * Safety: |
I felt like we were in very good hands. |
| 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) |
Stipend was more than enough to cover meals and small personal expenses. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | less that $10 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Find cheap places to eat, make sure you are eating as the locals do! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Very good, but only lasted 3 weeks. Could have used more! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Get out there and just talk to people! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I went into this not really knowing what to expect, and I think that was the best way to approach the experience. |
