Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An intense, but amazing opportunity April 23, 2025

By (Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/21/2025 to 12/07/2024 with

CET Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
CET Beijing is an intense program, but if you're looking to actually improve your Chinese as much as possible in a short period of time, it's incredibly effective. The language pledge can be tough to keep up at all times, but it really pushes you to use and approach the language in a new way—although it was the part I was the most nervous for, it ended up being one of my favorite aspects of the program. The teachers are also one of, if not the, best part of the program. They are knowledgeable, incredibly kind and patient, and clearly invested in their students' progress and wellbeing. The structured activities and travel opportunities included in the program were a great way to experience Beijing and more of China beyond the classroom setting. Beijing itself is also an amazing city to live in with lots of great food, tons to explore, and a unique mix of history and modern life.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The teachers
  • The full immersion (language pledge, local roommates, etc.)
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to meet and engage with more local students in a casual way
  • More accessible English speaking therapy services
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That, while the nerves associated with the language pledge are understandable, just try your best to learn as much as you can without paying too much attention to the judgement of others.

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!