Amazing. Past Review
By Hannah Brown (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/14/2017 to 08/13/2017 with
CET Beijing
My language skills improved and I really do have a broader perspective now.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The elective courses were weaker, but the Chinese language component was strong and rigorous. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very organized, but some people had difficulty with their internship placements. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorms were fantastic. The staff cleans your room and even changes the sheets. However, the shower is only separated from the bathroom by a curtain so the room can get wet. |
| * Food: |
Chinese food is amazing, but it can be difficult to find other types of food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You'll always be a foreigner, but it was an amazing culture to learn about and adapt to. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Only had to miss class due to a stomach bug, but they were accommodating. |
| * Safety: |
Beijing is very safe, but it's always smart to travel with a buddy. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The people were great, I loved my internship, the classes were interesting (mostly), I learned about Beijing, I had time to travel, and so much more. |
Finances
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* 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) |
The cost of living in China is very cheap, but traveling, food, and other expenses can add up. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to use the campus cafeteria!! It was incredibly cheap compared to other options. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Spoke with roommates, in the city, and in language class |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Chinese 40B Advanced Intermediate Chinese |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Speak in Chinese with your roommate and classmates! Try to talk to natives as well |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I would love it so so much |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
