Beijing is the Way to Go Past Review
By Taylor R (Political Science and Government., Trinity University) for
Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I would honestly say that I have been transformed by my experience. The time flies by and you will not be able to see everything there is. Bars and social environments also open you up to the emerging youth scene. I look forward to returning to Beijing and China in general.
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. |
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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? |
I lived with a Chinese roommate and we became very good friends while I practiced my Chinese. |
| * Food: |
I ate more different types of Chinese food than I ever thought imaginable. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I look forward to returning to China. I want to witness more culture, history, and social interactions. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did get lost a couple times. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | While it does depend on where you go, I would say 30-40 dollars a week could get you by, |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It would be advisable to tell people the prices of train/other long distance transportation. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was in a language intensive program, in which we had a language pledge and had to speak Chinese in the dorm. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be prepared for a lot of studying, but even more fun! |
