Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

China is impossible to reduce to one sentence. Past Review

By (Linguistics., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/29/2012 to 12/17/2012 with

CET Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater understanding of the Chinese language and culture. It was definitely worthwhile because my sole aim was to learn the language.

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.

The program was extremely academically rigorous. We were only permitted to speak Chinese throughout the duration of the program, and attended more than 17 hours of class each week.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was satisfactory, but the rest of the amenities on campus were decidedly lacking.

* Food:

The provided food was initially acceptable, but the cafeteria underwent renovations halfway through the semester, and the food provided after that was unsatisfactory.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The location of the program lent itself to local immersion.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any major health issues throughout my stay, so I can't answer this very well.

* Safety:

With the exception of the rioting about Japan, I don't think there was ever any safety issue.

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)

China is cheap, and it's wonderful.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The neighborhood that the program is located in is great for cheap food and clothing. Of course it is more fun to travel outside the area, but if you're on a strict budget, it is easy to find cheaper food. Stick with the local things, anything foreign is bound to be more expensive.

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

We were not allowed to speak anything besides Chinese, or else we would get expelled from the program.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? CHI 412K
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? Talk to locals. Interact with as many people 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
  • Host Family
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?
  • Rigor of the language study
* What could be improved?
  • Facilities were falling apart
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Having been to Asia before, there weren't too many surprises for me.

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!