Chinese Chinese Chinese Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/14/2017 to 06/03/2017 with

CET Harbin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Chinese got a lot better. I think it was worthwhile, but it was not easy.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The time spent studying the language limited the time we had to go out and explore the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Although very challenging with close to no free time to actually go and enjoy China, CET Harbin offered what few other programs could. As a result of studying in Harbin, my Chinese is at a level higher than I could have ever gotten it to be from studying anywhere else.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? take out money from an ATM on a set day every week

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Language pledge, if you speak English they kick you out.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? CHIN105b
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Take a program with a language pledge

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Language Pledge
  • People/Teachers
  • Administration/Program Planning
* What could be improved?
  • Homework to free time ratio
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program was just about what I expected. Although I rarely got breaks and the day-to-day schedule was intense, I knew what I was getting into, and am happy that I did it.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!