Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Rewarding Time in China Past Review

By (Skidmore College) - abroad from 08/30/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time abroad was very worthwhile, one of the best decisions I've made. My language skills did improve while I was there. I think one of the best things I found was that I didn't realize how much I learned until the end of the semester. In addition, I've created and maintained valuable friendships.

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.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of your expenses and leave buying souvenirs towards the end of the semester. Plan out the places that you'd like to travel to

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

IES has a mandatory language pledge that we are all required to keep.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300-level
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?
  • IES created a supportive and caring community
  • IES encouraged students to travel around China.
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more of what I wanted to get out of studying abroad. Having a clearer picture of what it is you want to do might encourage you to really get the most out of studying abroad.