I spent 10 weeks in Chengdu and I wouldn't change it at all. I was able to improve my level of speaking proficiency a lot. The classes were the perfect amount of difficulty and I still had time to travel to Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Beijing, and Xi'an on the weekends. My first session had 5 people and we didn't hang out much, but my second session did everything together and it was great. We all travelled to Chongqing and Xi'an together. My recommendation would be to take advantage of your time and be as outgoing as you can because your program will go quickly.

I had a wonderful experience in Chengdu! This trip allowed me to grow in many aspects such as independence and improving my Mandarin Chinese. Because the program was a small cohort of 8-9 people, the staff and professors were able to make genuine connections with everyone. I also am fortunately still in contact with my classmates from the trip which. While in China, I had the opportunity to go on many trips both facilitated by staff and just with my classmates. The cost of living there both short term and long term is also feasible to live off of. I had many meals close to campus (Sichuan Normal University had great options right outside campus). The public transportation was also wonderful and got me to mostly everywhere needed. A few personal downsides to the trip was just its length and the accessibility. I personally wish I could have gone on a longer trip (at least an additional month added) because there were always events going on in the trip. If I wasn't in class in the mornings, I would be exploring or going on a faculty led trip. We only had 3 weekends, so outside of class we would go out and travelling. Although it was an amazing experience, there is definitely so much you can do in Chengdu and China itself. Another con would have to be the accessibility. The city itself is very progressive, however, something to keep in mind is that accommodations such as elevators may not be in every building and street if needed. That was just one thing I noticed, but other than that if you ask anyone for help or need anything locals are willing to help you.

I’m so happy I got this opportunity from USAC! It was honestly one of my best first out of country experience and study abroad overall. I was able to learn about many different things, like chinese medicine and schooling for younger kids in China. I loved the freedom I had to go and travel by myself or with my other program friends and because of that I was able to go to 4 different beautiful cities in China! My most favorite thing I did there was going to all the big malls they had. Also, trying new foods everyday! I miss China so much, I’m planning to back next year with family!

Based on my experience, the USAC curriculum, while affordable and well-organized, did not provide a strong language challenge. However, this gave me more time to explore Chinese culture and daily life outside the classroom. I also had the opportunity to take extracurricular classes in instruments and archery (paid out-of-pocket), which helped me develop new skills and experiences beyond academics. When I studied abroad, the program had just reopened after being closed for a while due to COVID-19, so I understand there were still areas that needed adjustment. Because it was their first term back, there were fewer field trips than usual. I hope that in the future, the program will offer more excursions and more challenging Chinese language classes. That said, I think USAC did a great job overall, especially in supporting students, addressing any difficulties we faced, and even helping us find information or opportunities when we expressed interest in exploring something new

I couldn't have chosen a better program than Chengdu, China. I truly had the most rewarding experience. Not only did I get to accomplish my goals to learn Mandarin and experience Chinese culture firsthand, but I also got to see giant pandas (my favorite animal), create lifelong friendships, and grow tremendously as an individual.

The campus is located in the center of the city where public transportation is easily accessible. There are lots of options nearby to dine out or grab a snack. If you want to go somewhere, you can hop on the metro and be on your way in minutes. Trust me, you'll be on the metro every day exploring the amazing things Chengdu has to offer like the panda research base, corgi cafes, shopping districts, etc. I cannot wait to go back in the future!

I was really nervous about studying abroad in a foreign country, but the staff members and the friends I made through USAC gave me a home away from home. The field trips were really fun and I got to see a lot of the Chinese culture through the field trips. All the courses in USAC program is intensive, however, the teachers are always willing to help if you ask for it. I had grown so much as a person through this program. The warmth given to me by the staff and the teachers will be unforgettable. Only thing I regret is that I didn't explore as much as I should have. Near the end of the program, I started to explore more and go to other cities. It was great experience to visit other places with my friends. I got to see different cities and have fun with my friends while learning more about the Chinese culture. If you do end up going abroad, which I highly recommend you trying during your university years, try travelling every weekend. It doesn't have to be somewhere far every time. I am so glad I went to study abroad in Chengdu. I enjoyed my time in Chengdu so much. I definitely want to go back to Chengdu when I can.

This study abroad was amazing. Chengdu is a great location to be in. There are areas where you can see old Chinese culture as well as modern Chinese development. There are so many places to see. I recommend taking advantage and trying to go somewhere new every weekend. It is so easy to do. Chengdu is filled with lots of great food, tea places, and neat neighborhoods. Don't be afraid to go out, Chengdu is a very safe city. If you are trying to build your language skills it may be a little difficult talking with older people because of their dialect. However, you can easily find people to practice Chinese with, especially with college students. There are many opportunities to find a language partner. I suggest getting a language partner because they also teach you a lot of culture.

This was my first experience going abroad and let me tell you: it was AWESOME!! I really enjoyed my experience in China. Originally I was only suppose to be there for one semester but I decided to extend my stay for another semester and one summer session. I knew an opportunity like this and it being so cheap is real especially after graduating college so, I was like "let me stay here a little longer". Anyways, because this was my first time abroad I had was nervous the whole time such as the flight, the host city, the people and just in general. But it's quite normal and to the future students thinking about doing this program: It's normal and you'll be fine, trust me.

Cultural shock is a thing. When I first arrive in Chengdu, China I could already tell this isn't like the United States. The locals lifestyles, outlook, and etc is completely different from what I'm used to and not gonna lie, it took awhile to get used to. But this initial shock is completely normal, but I kept an open mind and try to see things from their perspectives and tried to keep my opinions to a minimum. I think to enjoy a foreign country like China which is completely different from the United States, one must keep an open mind and be willing to try anything. Because you never know, you'll might discover something about yourself.

Some advice I would give to future participants that are applying for this program and any other programs that'll be in China would be: just try it. Whether that be the food, a new hobby/place, going to China in general, JUST TRY IT! Research Research and more research!! I would definitely research about the city that you'll be going. Read other blogs written by students because they'll be able to give a proper experience beside the stereotypical information you'll might read online. Also, do some research about other places around your host city because you might (mostly likely lol) want to travel to other places. Download your VPN before you enter China because the app might be blocked. If you want to stay connected with your social media, definitely download it before you get behind the Great Firewall. Talk to the locals!! They know the best place to eat and best places to have fun! It's easy to stay with the people in the program which is fun and all but don't forget your in a different country and making friends with the locals can be very helpful. My last advice that I can think of right now would be to have fun. This is your experience and you want to make the most of it. The people you meet, the feelings you'll feel, the food that'll eat will be something you'll cherish. Because you want it to be something when you're older and you think about your college years, it something that sticks out.

Hopefully this was helpful! I'm pretty sure there are other things I could've mentioned but I just can't think of it right now. But to anyone that is reading this, hopefully it'll encourage you to travel abroad either to China or anywhere else you're going!