Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One life-changing experience in China! Past Review

By (Government And Spanish, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/12/2013 to 08/12/2013 with

CET Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about myself from my experience abroad. I learned that no matter where anyone throws me, I will always adapt to any culture. I really felt that I was out of my comfort zone and didn't think I would be comfortable, but in the end I loved the culture/environment and I loved the people. I feel that I am stronger person for traveling to China on my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took two courses with CET. A politics and a language chinese course. These courses were extremely interesting and detailed. The government course I took was Chinese Politics and thanks to this course I know most of the past and current popular leaders and also analyzed the infrastructure of the current government of China. I loved my courses!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had no problem with the academic director or the resident director. Both of them were always there for me whenever I needed help. Everyone involved within the CET program in China is extremely reliable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a dorm with a Chinese roommate. My roommate became my best friend within the first week of school. The program really tries to room you with the person who will really balance you out. Having a Chinese roommate was the best part of the program because if it wasn't for him I would have never gone to some of the hidden most amazing places in China.

* Food:

I love Chinese food. Everything was cheap and everything was delicious. On a side note though, if you're willing to keep and open mind, you could try scorpions, bullfrogs, donkey meat and every other type of food that would never be served in America.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The purpose of my trip was to really immerse myself into a culture in which I cannot speak the language and have no idea what the culture was. This program met my expectations, I got to China, started school and within the first two weeks of school I was bartering for stuff at the markets and ordering my meals in Mandarin and taking the subway all-around Beijing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The CET staff and roommates make sure that you are aware of all the risks around the city.

* 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)

A meal with a drink can cost you up to maybe 1-3 dollars (6-15 yuans) It really depends on the type of person you are and how picky you are with your food. I was not picky at all and ate pretty good food for a cheap price.

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

My program was mainly in English, but my Chinese teacher always expected me to talk to her in Mandarin. Our final exam in the Chinese language course was to travel to a small village by the countryside and we were expected to speak mandarin the whole ride going to the village and the way back.

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? None
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? Always try to get out of your comfort zone. Don't stick with your fellow american classmates. Try out your mandarin once in a while. Once you get to practice with Beijingers, your mandarin will seriously improve.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Chinese Culture & Cultural Sites
  • The necessity of bargaining at the markets
  • The Original Chinese Food
* What could be improved?
  • The Pre-Departure session from CET
  • The Specifics of what one needs to pay and where
  • More information on the Chinese firewall
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew some Chinese phrases before going to China. I had no idea how to read or talk Mandarin. As I arrived at the airport in Beijing, I needed to ask for directions, but a lot of the staff members only spoke Mandarin.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.