Hands Down, Best Summer of My Life! Past Review
By Monty G (Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Arizona State University) - abroad from 05/13/2013 to 08/09/2013 with
Capital Normal University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I wish I could have studied abroad for a semester! Learned about Chinese culture and how to adapt and understand it. I took an internship as well as two classes and I learned about Chinese history and its economic development over the years. My internship was at a Beijing tech start-up. I got to meet wonderful people from around the world and learn about Beijing youth culture (from working with mostly young Chinese adults, in their 20s). The whole experience was more than worthwhile; it was life-changing and I cannot wait till I go back to China. One of these days!
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. |
I learned a lot about Chinese history and it's economic policy through the class: Chinese Economic Development: 1978 Onward. The class was taught by Colin Speakman who is a witty, smart, and fun teacher who is incredibly knowledgeable about Chinese culture, history, and it's economy. |
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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? |
Me and one other roommate were in an international dorm at Capital Normal University; it was great. There was a little cafe downstairs, plenty of food/restaurants in the area, and close to the metro station. Only gripe is that my window wouldn't fully shut and I could hear a lot of road noise from the crazy Beijing traffic. But other than that, it was really great. |
| * Food: |
I love Chinese food!...So I might be a little biased. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
ASU and CAPA both, explained in extreme detail any medical precautions we needed to take before travelling abroad, what to do in the case of a medical emergency, and how to stay healthy during our time abroad. Oh and also they told us what health insurance we will be having and its coverage details. |
| * Safety: |
Contrary to what some would think, Beijing is actually quite safe. I had no issues there with feeling unsafe - and I ventured out on my own a lot. Pay attention to any safety precautions that CAPA Beijing staff pass on to you and adhere to them. Also ,on the first day you arrive, when you are at the airport - do not get in an unmarked taxi. Basically look for cabs that are color-coded and identifiable. And if anyone walks up to you while you are at baggage claim asking if you need a ride, politely decline because it is likely an unmarked taxi driver. The unmarked taxis are necessarily dangerous or anything but they will charge you an arm and a leg for your taxi fare. Just be aware of the cab your getting in - at all 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) |
Very easy, as long as you don't go out shopping too much (no more than once or twice/week) |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | No more than $100-160/wk |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't take taxis all the time - they're cheap but they add. Get a metro card and take the subway - it goes almost everywhere! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take pictures and videos, but refrain from taking too many or being constantly connected to Wifi (leave your smartphone at home, and buy a cheap phone in China). You gain so much more of an experience from living in the moment and enjoying a completely different life from one back home. That will allow you to really grow and possibly change your views about yourself and the world around you. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
