Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors of Beijing Normal University's College of Chinese Language and Culture are excellent. Not only do they challenge and encourage students, but they are patient and understanding.

On-site administration of your program

At times, dissemination of information was a bit unclear. ALSO, as a result of the H1N1 scare, the university pushed classes back a week along with finals, making it extremely inconvenient for the majority of foreign students that had already booked their return flights. The university tried to reconcile this situation with offering an alternate date for the finals, but it was announced way too late in late December.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the Liyun Apartotel, No.3 international student apartment complex. The living conditions were very nice, and the housekeeping staff were friendly and helpful. However, the front desk and administrators of the apartment complex were inconsiderate, inflexible and often unhelpful. Everyday my room was entered even though I put a "do not disturb" sign on the door. The internet service was poor and the internet administrators tried to charge me an extra month. Before I produced my receipt, I asked for them to check their records and they did not have any. I often needed help finding an address or some sort of issue that involved communication and the front desk often responded with shrugs and an equivalent response to "nothing can be done." <br /><br /> The housing accommodations were very good, BUT the invasion of privacy, cold and unhelpful attitude of the front desk, and general poor record keeping for what was proportionately very expensive housing in China is unacceptable. The brochure also advertised a gym or workout room in the complex. The equipment that was actually functional looked 50 years old, and the room had no ventilation. Also, the university did not allow foreign students to use the on-campus gym either. Very frustrating.

Eating out every day was enjoyable, and the food was very inexpensive, but healthful options were non-existent. The on-campus cafeteria food was not healthful at all. There needs to be more health-conscious options for food.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This question is too vague. Go to another country, meet people and try new things. That's it.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I don't believe safety in Beijing is an issue. I visited a public hospital in Beijing and would not want to be treated there. If you have a health issue, you will probably want to go to a private foreign hospital.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

After studying in Beijing, I am able to have simple conversations in Chinese. If I don't understand a word or concept, I can inquire in Chinese and have it explained to me with simple vocabulary.

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• Dorm

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• International Students