Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Unexpected Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Environmental Studies., Villanova University) - abroad from 01/18/2013 to 05/11/2013 with

Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
On the surface, I learned more than I ever hoped for about Chinese language, culture, history, politics, and international relations--and loved all of it! On a deeper level, I gained tremendous self-confidence from living in a foreign country with a host family that I could never have experienced in the United States.

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.

I was extremely impressed with the quality of the instructors and the academic rigor of all of my courses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All administrators were very open, accessible, and communicative.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my homestay and felt that I was perfectly matched with my host family.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to the United Family Hospital in Beijing because I was sick during the avian flu scare, and found both my program and the hospital to be helpful, accessible, and completely comparable to care I would receive at home.

* Safety:

I often felt safer in Beijing than I have in a lot of major U.S. cities! I was never in any compromising situations, but I was also smart about traveling with friends, taking only registered taxis (not black cabs), and never walking alone at night.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20.00USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Especially in China, it's important to know what items you can bargain for and/or buy cheaply (clothes, most shoes, accessories, cooked food, gifts) and what things you should go to an established retailer for (custom tailored clothing, raw food, hiking or tennis shoes).

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

I lived in with a host family that did not speak a word of English, and that was absolutely the best situation for me. I loved the challenge and my Chinese improved tremendously.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I took beginning Chinese at Villanova for one semester.
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? I know a non-English-speaking family might sound daunting, but it is so worth it! The long-term benefits, personal pride and satisfaction, and gain in confidence completely outweigh the initial struggle.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Host Family
  • Mobile Learning Trip to Tibet
  • Chinese Language Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Predeparture Information
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had had more faith in the program that everything would work out just fine. I was very nervous about living in China, finding food that I liked, meeting new people, and learning the language, when really there was nothing to worry about and I was well-supported.

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!