Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great semester abroad in Beijing. Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies; History, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/18/2013 to 05/10/2013 with

Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While I'm far from fluent, the program definitely helped to improve and give me more confidence in speaking Chinese since my experience with Chinese has been mainly in the classroom. So being in a country where the language and culture is so different made me more outgoing and confident in my own abilities. Also, making friends from all over and getting the chance to travel around China was great.

Personal Information

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

Language pledge on campus.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Encouragment to go out and interact with Chinese people
  • Opportunities to get to travel around China
  • Classes that had great teachers who love what they're teaching and the way they encouraged students from all different backgrounds
* What could be improved?
  • More course selections for the CI program
  • Schedules for classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This was my first time going abroad by myself, but it wasn't difficult to handle. I really do wish my Chinese was better, especially in the beginning, so I could've interacted more, but Chinese people are usually very helpful.

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!