Beijing: Contemporary Issues Past Review
By Karen P (Asian Language and Studies, University of the Pacific) for
Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Independence, responsibility, assertiveness. I am now considering entering into a career field geared more toward international realtions.
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: |
China is not a good place for accommodating dietary restrictions, but the food is really cheap. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
A two-week long field trip that allows you to experience things you otherwise wouldn't be able to without the program. And local excursions throughout the city with teachers that really know what they are talking about and are excellent tour guides. |
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~$20-30/week on food. I think this is a pretty general cost. It can be a lot less if you are frugal. This includes noodles, soups, rice, and really filling meals on campus and at local restaurants. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Besides initial expenses upon arrival (for your cell phone, towel & toiletries, etc) the only other major expense is paying for your cell phone minutes recharge card. |
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? | 2 years/4 semesters |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Practiced language with my roommate. I did use the host country language every day. Most classmates spoke English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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