China: Went for One Semester and Stayed for Two Past Review
By Allison K (International Political Science, Trinity University) for
Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My study abroad experience was more than worthwhile. It completely changed my perspective on China and my future career path. I discovered my interest in public health through the research I conducted at IES, and am pursuing a research grant to go back to China post-graduation. I have a new, deeper understanding of Chinese culture, plus a homestay that I still consider as family. I learned a lot about myself as well. I was already fairly independent but I became more so. I feel like I broke a lot of barriers that I didn't know that I had and opened myself to the China experience.
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. |
I found it was fairly similar in grading to my school here. The language teachers are all Chinese and are young and enthusiastic. Overall it was a great academic experience. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administrators were fantastic. There is a mix of American and Chinese in the administration, but they are all highly knowledgeable. I had great support when I was sick. They also organized great trips and activities. They were very organized. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family treated me as part of the family. They are fantastic. The commute to school wasn't bad either. |
| * Food: |
I normally don't eat pork or even much meat at all. I was able to give up these food restrictions when I went to China, and even though I didn't enjoy eating pork or meat, I think it was useful. (Obviously some people choose to remain vegetarian - in my case it was easier not to.) |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trips are fantastic and take you to places that you wouldn't be able to go on your own. There are also weekend trips and adventures within Beijing. I think one of the most memorable cultural events was Chinese New Year second semester. A couple of my friends from the program celebrated with me and my host family. It is a lot of food, family and fireworks. Field trips arranged by the Chinese teachers are also fun! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I think the biggest problem with safety was petty crime. Many students had something stolen at least once. Be mindful of your things and you will be fine. I had a few hospital visits during my time in China. The program was really helpful. I had to go to the hospital on one of the long trips due to illness, and my teacher/chaperone actually arranged it even though I didn't ask to go. They are really aware of the health of the students and make sure you get the care you need, even when you are traveling in rural areas! |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $50-75. Some weeks I would spend more or less depending on what I was doing in Beijing or if I was doing independent travel. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be aware that you will need to bring at least 1000 RMB on the long trip. You might not spend it all but you might want to set that money aside. Taxis are cheap and convenient, but do add up. Using the subway and buses as much as possible will help you if you are on a tight budget. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Chinese with my host family all of the time. Everyone in the program also gets a Chinese language tutor who you meet with five times a week. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think that if you are serious about Chinese, there is no better option. This program is well-run, and hires great, enthusiastic teachers that care about the students. There are a lot of opportunities for fun and travel, but you will also work a lot and learn a lot. This program is good for students who want that balance. |
