Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Rich Historical and Food Culture, Lovely People September 23, 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?
At least in major cities, the transition is not difficult, which made adjusting to China easy. The food is delicious wherever you go, and there's a lot of passion to show off the richness and depth of the culture of the land. I enjoyed almost everything we did, and I would love to go back. I just wish I had budgeted my time better and gone out to explore more by myself, or gone out with my language partner more.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

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
  • Hotel
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The food
  • The people are lovely
* What could be improved?
  • Time management and planning, especially when going to other cities
  • Making sure people stuck to the language pledge
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That if I want to know what living in China is like, I have to go out more than just the pre-arranged trips and activities by the program. If you really want to experience something, you have to look for it yourself.

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!