CHINA CHINA CHINA Past Review
By Michal J (HISTORY., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/05/2013 to 08/03/2013 with
Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Definitely gained incredible use of language and got to see a lot of really cool things! It was absolutely worthwhile, but you have to make it your own and put yourself out there, be willing to adventure!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
Buying food and getting around in Beijing is super simple and fairly cheap, however the program didn't provide any food for you so every meal was on your own. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | probably around $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Explore the area and take advantage of all the super cheap restaurants around campus! If you went to McDonalds every day meals can get pricey! |
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 |
The program encouraged us to use Chinese everyday, but the Language Pledge during this particular summer was lacking |
| 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? | 4 Semesters of Chinese |
| 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? | DO THE LANGUAGE PLEDGE, if you use it, IT WORKS |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | I wish I had brought my own go-phone to text with, buying the one the program provided was expensive and unnecessary. I also wish I had known how to travel better in China, definitely took some time to figure out trains and tickets and hostels etc. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
