Best experience of my life Past Review
By A student (Government, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/06/2013 to 08/03/2013 with
Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot more Chinese and had a deep look into Chinese culture. I learned a lot about the people and Chinese society in general. It was definitely worthwhile. Everyone I was with enjoyed the program, although some had difficulty with the classes.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Spent about 4-5 hours doing homework and studying everyday |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IES is a great program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
satisfactory |
| * Food: |
I love Chinese food! also extremely cheap |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My roommate was supposed to be Chinese but apparently that is only for their Spring and Fall programs. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Insurance covers all hospital visits and procedures although getting there was difficult |
| * Safety: |
Beijing is very safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
China is cheap but I bought a lot of stuff. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Having a budget and spreadsheet can be helpful |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We had a language pledge and we spoke only Chinese in class. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | CHI 412L |
| 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? | Use it a lot |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That they don't sell American deodorant in China |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
