Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A quick taste of China Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/06/2013 to 08/03/2013 with

Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. It was a completely new experience, trying to get the most out of just eight weeks, especially during an "intensive" scholastic program. I got to see and experience an entirely different culture and learn a new language enough to be proficient. Making time to travel was difficult, and I definitely sacrificed getting an A (for a B+/A-), but it was very very worth it.

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.

The program was very intense in regards to the education provided. In just two months, I was able to converse on more than just the simplest level to local Chinese people.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The local Chinese food was amazing, but there was no food provided by the program, so every meal had to be bought off campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local culture was incredibly fun, and it was easy to get to know local people. Chinese people are usually very open to foreigners, so interaction was easily created and maintained. The only obstacle was getting over that initial fear of rejection.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program was very thorough on informing us students of the local healthcare. However, there was little assistance from the faculty or staff when there was an actual problem, and a student had to make a trip to the hospital across the city by himself with a possibly broken ankle.

* Safety:

Beijing was safe, and I had no problems even late at night. However, I also never went further than a few streets off campus by myself late 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)

China is very cheap, so there were not very many issues with regards to money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $50

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

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? Fourth 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? Don't be embarrassed to make mistakes. The most unabashed students, I have found, learn the fastest.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The travel
  • The experience
* What could be improved?
  • The program trips that we took together could be less "touristy" and more authentic
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. I recommend just diving in.

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!