Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I experienced my Eat, Pray, Love in China. Past Review

By (Chinese Studies., Trinity University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 06/01/2012 with

CET Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a larger sense of the world through the study of a foreign language and actual use of that language in conjunction with meeting new people. I also had fun and got to experience a new place--an invaluable experience.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Beijing Institute of Education
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

I didn't have much experience with this because i didn't get sick too often.

* Safety:

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

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)

I could easily get by in beijing for a week on 80 dollars

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? write out a budget after the first week so that you dont continue to spend excessively and without thought

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? second year 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? adhere to the language pledge as much as possible.

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?
  • inexpensive
  • rigorous
  • fun
* What could be improved?
  • internet
  • free time
  • location
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? studying abroad is fun--its a lot of fun. but there are also some very difficult and hard components to going to a new country. you have to take the bad with the good; because there is a lot of good to be had.

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!