Harbin improved my Chinese better than I ever anticipated. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Teaching method is repetition. When it comes to grammar and vocabulary, you'll be making sentences over and over again. It gets monotonous, but it works. You can't get away with keeping quiet as the classes are small (sometimes just you with the professor) and you'll really be challenged to engage with the material, both in study outside the classroom and direct work in the classroom.

On-site administration of your program

Honestly, the administration was stellar. I wouldn't change a thing about it. All of the administration has background in both Chinese and Western education, so they understand the issues facing students. The RA is an American alumnus, which is very helpful. Program size is very good, only about 30 students max, so you'll know everyone and it's a fairly close-knit group.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

When it comes to Chinese housing, this was really fantastic. Honestly, Chinese students live at least 4 to a room in rooms the size of Trinity's dorms. Our rooms were AT LEAST the size of large Trinity rooms (e.g. South triples) for just you and your Chinese roommate. The roommates are great. I didn't learn that much from mine simply because we're both quiet people, but she was very helpful to me (e.g. helping me buy a cell phone, etc.). Harbin is fairly safe...it's a huge city so just keep that in mind. Dorm has a key card access and desk attendant/security guard, so it's quite secure. There are a multitude of restaurants within walking distance, classes are taught around the corner and a Western-style bar (an eternal haunt of CET Harbin students) close-by. Other nightlife and entertainment is within a reasonable cab ride. Cabs are comparatively cheap and won't try to rip you off if you speak Mandarin (which you need to anyway!)

LET ME GO BACK NOW. Food is SO cheap and delicious. There are vegetarian options and non-pork options (many Muslim restaurants). I make no promises on the "quality" of the food, but it sure is delicious and I never got sick. Just go everywhere. If it looks like a dive, it's delicious.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program helps organize a whole bunch of fun weekend events, from hiking to bowling to scavenger hunts to a weekend trip to the border of North Korea. Also, any weekend there isn't a full-program event, you're given a fairly substantial stipend to do something with your roommate (one of the of these weekends, I went to the Harbin Siberian Tiger Park with my roommate).

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

If you have issues with healthcare, the RA (American who is fluent in Mandarin) will help you/take you to the hospital to help translate and make sure you get the best care. There is access to Western medicine.

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

EVERYONE! This program has a language pledge, so you'll be speaking Mandarin ONLY for the whole semester. Roommates are Chinese, so they'll only speak Chinese with you. In Harbin, there are few Westerners so, if you hear a language other than Mandarin being spoken, it's mostly likely Russian, not English. Because the city doesn't have much English influence, most people don't speak any English at all, so you won't be expected to practice with them. The only time I used English during the semester (besides Skyping with family) was at church (I attended and English Christian fellowship). You MUST speak Mandarin to get around the city, make purchases, eat, etc.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students

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• Americans

• Class Size
• Improved Language Skills
• Professors

• Um...can't think of anything.