Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Intensive Study Abroad in Beijing - 1 semester of college lvl Chi to testing out of Chi 2! Past Review

By (Government, The University of Texas at Austin) for

CET Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile, I learned so much Chinese in the 8 weeks I was there that I had trouble switch back from the language pledge! Academically it was a no brainer- I plan to go back once I graduate!

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.

* 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?

I liked self-driven field trips better than the organized ones.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would bring traveler's checks or withdraw cash and keep cash on me- they don't like American credit cards (Bank of America has free ATM service with China Construction Bank).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? One semester of Basic Chinese
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Definitely study beforehand, and bring lots of flash cards if that's what helps you study. Enjoy your weekends, and try to stick to the language pledge!