Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I fell in love with China! Past Review

By (International Relations; Chinese, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 08/24/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only did my language skills improve, but being a foreigner in China gave me a lot of opportunities to teach others about America. I was able to be a proud ambassador for the United States. I also learned that the media and history books paint us all as completely different people; but even in China, high school boys will have snowball fights in the winter and middle school students will try to sneak a nap during class. I loved my experience and I can't wait to go back.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program was amazing. It was challenging but not impossible, and instructors made learning about Chinese history, culture, and government interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was so friendly and willing to help in any way necessary. They really cared about each individual student.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

There is always some delicious and interesting food in Beijing. Or, if you get home sick, there are plenty of foreign restaurants as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was interacting with local people every day. I made good friends and it really helped to improve my language skills.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

IES establishes a language pledge. Students are required to only speak Chinese while on campus.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just do it! Have fun learning the language. Go off campus and use it in the community when shopping, taking a taxi, or even starting a conversation on the subway. The language classes will prepare you for day-to-day conversations. Just make sure to take notice of how much you're improving to keep yourself encouraged and motivated.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Language pledge and small class sizes
  • Field trips and internships
  • Chinese roommates and opportunities to interact with the community
* What could be improved?
  • More interaction with the host university
  • Cleaner public facilities in the dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? No matter how culturally accepting you are, homesickness can increase your risk of culture shock. It doesn't make you intolerant. It makes you awesome for being so willing to step outside of your comfort zone!

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!