A Fantastic Study Abroad Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics were at the same level as university classes. However, because the program I took was specifically language intensive, all the homework was about Chinese. It definitely a challenge to switch gears from six different classes at my University with various types of homework, to strictly language study, but once I transitioned, the work load was fine.

On-site administration of your program

The CET was very accessible. Their on-site office provided a great resource for students if they had problems. Though, their was an instance where they were slow to react. The program was small enough that everyone recognized or was on first name basis with the office members.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

When I went abroad, CET was renovating their dorms, so they rented the space from the Beijing Education Institute. Our rooms were rather apartment like, with new facilities. The area we stayed in was very safe. We were right across from an elementary school. We had a watchmen at our gate 24/7. Also we had card keys to get into the building. I never felt unsafe at night, and usually took walks before I went to bed. We were very close to the buildings where our classes were held. I could get up ten minutes for class and make it to class with time to spare.

We had food provided to us for lunches only. This was not that big of an issue, because there was cheap food places surrounding our living place. The lunch that was provided was very good, however, some students complained about the variety as well as options for vegans and vegetarians. I was satisfied with the food situation.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CET did there best to provide us with social and non-academic aspects. It is just a hard balance to strike with academics. We had weekend trips to various cultural landmarks around Beijing. Furthermore, there was usually a game or a prize incentive to go! We went to the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, the new modern art area etc. My favorite trip was the long weekend we took to Xi'an. We took the train to the city and did a city wide treasury hunt. It was great! And our Chinese roommates got to come with us. Another equally as fun trip was our overnight sleepover at the Great Wall. That Saturday, we hiked, and then that night we slept on the wall. It was great, though freezing. :)

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got a stomach bug one week in Beijing. My roommates were really helpful by taking me to the local pharmacy that prescribed me medicine. Other than that, no problems.

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

My language skills exponentially improved will I was at CET. Because there was a language pledge, there was not a moment we were not studying Chinese. Everyday interactions with fellow students, Chinese roommates and people on the street were just some of the ways you use your Chinese. There were some students who did speak English, but that was an individual decision. Most people chose to honor the pledge.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans