China Changed my Life! Past Review
By Chae-Ri H (Economics., University of Rochester) for
Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Definitely worthwhile as it made me improve my language and make new friends. It also let me see how living life on the other side of the world is like, and made me more aware of cultural differences among others.
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. |
The studying was intense, especially Chinese. Everyday I had quizzes and every other week exams, but it was worth it because it improved my language level. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program's courses and syllabus were all well planned. The traveling was also spectacular, and the activities and clubs available also made study abroad worthwhile. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The family was very wealthy so I was blessed to have a nice home with good food. The daughter though only wanted to speak English with me but I wanted to practice more CHinese. |
| * Food: |
The food was really good, I had authentic Chinese food everyday. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The clubs and activities definitely were fun because it allowed us to hang out outside of the classroom. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
They frequently told us how to avoid food poisoning and being sick, and we were informed of the hospital location and what to do if we felt sick. I felt 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just manage your money well and don't splurge it on Western food because that is what is expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate Chinese I |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
The language pledge and quality of the teachers were all helpful in improving my language skills. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you have one country to go to, go to the one with one of the longest histories and see the awesome contrast with its modernization and historical traditions. |
