An amazing, inspirational, and enlightening adventure. Past Review

By (Studio Arts, Guilford College) - abroad from 02/18/2012 to 05/22/2012 with

Yunnan Minzu University: Kunming - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

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

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Constantly challenging and inspiring. I learned so much!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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.

* 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.

* 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

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)

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
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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Host Family
  • Other
* 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?
  • Wide range of places we saw
  • Camping out and enjoying the natural landscape
  • Meeting new friends
* What could be improved?
  • A little more language training
* 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.