Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Beijing Summer of 2014 Past Review

By (Biology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/11/2014 to 08/11/2014 with

CET Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Chinese improved significantly and I definitely learned a lot about Chinese culture. After talking with many of the Chinese roommates I also learned much about what young Chinese people think and what their aspirations are.

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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approximately $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of how much you are spending so you can budget what you want to buy and when. Make sure to withdraw larger amounts of money from the ATM so you don't have too keep paying the withdrawal fee each time.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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

  • International Students
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?
  • Chinese program
  • Chinese teachers
  • Accessibility to public transportation
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Program organization
  • Bathrooms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that my stomach would not like all the food there, and that I should probably bring stomach medication.

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!