Very Intensive Highly Enjoyable Past Review

By (Plan Ii Honors, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/13/0012 to 08/13/0012 with

CET Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Many language skills/higher language level in Chinese, how to live and adapt to a different culture. Completely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

* 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? No

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)

Easy, Beijing has very cheap food, if coming from using USD currency.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes

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

24 Hour language pledge.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? One Semester of College Chinese
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? Keep the language pledge and communicate a lot with your roommate.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • More or less complete immersion
* What could be improved?
  • Better ways to deal with stress
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be lighthearted and don't feel the need to stress out about studying.