Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I ate so much food and spent so little money! September 11, 2024

By (Chinese, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/12/2024 to 08/10/2024 with

CET Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to take trips independently and how to be comfortable with discomfort. It was definitely worthwhile because now I find it much easier and less nerve wracking to be by myself and to approach new situations.

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 went into the program knowing that it would be a difficult class with a lot of courseload, and it was. But I learned so so much, and I still had a lot of time to go explore and have fun in the city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very helpful, kind, and organized. However, some of the activities were not planned well time-wise, so everything would be pushed back a few hours than when they were supposed to happen.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved where we stayed in Beijing. There was custodial staff that would change our bedsheets for us and sweep our floors. Also, the room was quite comfortable, I was paired with a very good match for a roommate, and the AC was always working.

* Food:

I didn't eat in the dining hall a lot since the food in China is so cheap that I would go out to restaurants a lot, but when I did eat there, it was delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were lots of activities like calligraphy and tea culture activities that we could go on, and I participated in all of them. I wish that I went out by myself more to see more of Beijing and learn about the different cultures that exist in the area, since there are so many, but I stayed pretty close to my school most of the time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any issues with health, but everyone who I knew on the program who had difficulties said that it was very easy to get help.

* Safety:

I felt so safe in Beijing. I felt much safer there than I ever have in NYC, so much so that I was comfortable walking by myself at night and taking the subway by myself. Also, the school always had security outside of the gate, and in the dorm.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This was the perfect first experience in China, and they took me to Chengdu and Shanghai which were the two other places that I wanted to go to!

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)

I felt it was very easy to live on a budget in China since everything including food and toiletries were really cheap

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

There was a language pledge, so I had to speak the language the entire time

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? 40A
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? Commit to speaking the language as frequently as possible, even when you're not in class

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Food
  • Class/teachers
* What could be improved?
  • Trip planning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I knew everything I needed to

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!