A Life Changing Experience Past Review
By Ashton B (Mandarin, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/01/2015 to 08/01/2015 with
Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned how to concentrate, I learned about mainland Chinese culture, but most importantly I learned about myself.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned more about Mandarin during my study abroad experience than I have in my entire time attending class in the United States. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The teachers themselves, and the student affairs coordinator were grand. The staff were always on point. However, the administration had coordination issues that even the students were aware of. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements were fantastic, no complaints. |
| * Food: |
While living in China I took every opportunity to try every kind of food I could find. No regrets. |
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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? |
The program was spectacular in assisting me, the student affairs coordinator himself accompanied me to the hospital. |
| * 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) |
Food in China is much cheaper than stateside. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Roughly 150 kuai, or 15 dollars. |
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 |
There was no choice. Between the language pledge and the incredible teachers, you had to speak in Chinese. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Second semester of second year Chinese |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk. Use the language at every possible opportunity. |
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?
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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 known more Chinese so that I could have learned even more. |
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! |
