Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Very Hard, but Worth It January 31, 2024

By (Economics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/09/2023 to 08/04/2023 with

CET Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to effectively study and adapt to a language quickly. Also how to communicate effectively across a language barrier.

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

These were some of the most intense classes I have ever taken. However, the growth I saw in my Chinese was worth it, and I do not think I would have seen this growth without the intensity the program provided.

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)

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? 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 105b
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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Teachers
  • Experiential Learning
  • 1 on 1 classers
* What could be improved?
  • Support System
  • Day Organization
  • Orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been better prepared on how to use the Chinese system in terms of apps I should have pre-downloaded and things like that.

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!