Studying Abroad in Beijing Brought Me Back to Life April 06, 2026

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic level of this program is definitely intense but so rewarding and worth it. I have gained so much knowledge about my capabilities, China, Chinese language, etc. The seminar and activity opportunities also add even more to our educational experience. The textbook was perfectly curated to our seminars and class trips, I loved learning in class and then having the opportunity to experience and implement what I've learned into real-life conversations with classmates and locals.

On-site administration of your program

No complaints. Everybody was so supportive and made sure you knew they were present for any matter not limiting it to emotional support, help with obtaining resources, recommendations for dinner, and more. I was so impressed. An example I will share is that I broke my finger the first week of classes and never had any issues navigating that situation because admin and teachers constantly let us know that they are there for us.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing situation was great, 2 people to one bathroom... that is better than my dorm arrangements both Freshman and Sophomore year in America. It was also great because our roommates were all Chinese citizens so more opportunity to connect and speak Chinese. Additionally, I was super lucky because the roommate pairing worked perfect for me. My roommate is practically my sister now and we still stay in contact. Within the housing area we each had a desk, closet space, and also cleaning happened very frequently by cleaning staff which was very surprising. I still would take out my own trash, tidy up the bathroom, etc but it did give peace of mind to know that if I was having a rough time, my bedsheets would be fresh sometime soon and that always relaxes me haha. The aunties were so kind, I genuinely enjoyed greeting them when they come into the room or whenever I see them. Also there were not elevators for people but there was a lift for luggage/heavy items so I was very satisfied.

Food was amazing. The dining hall was so impressive, I genuinely miss it so much. Outside of the dining hall, there were many options neighboring and if you wanted, you could take public transport to go to a different area with more options. Specifically on campus, I was satisfied with the options I had and personally was obsessed with third floor of the main campus dining hall and the Sichuan restaurant right outside of the West Gate. Everyone was so kind and again, the food was spectacular. Lastly I want to mention the WuMart or convenience stores nearby have really great options as well.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like CET gave me so opportunities through their program to integrate in local culture and interact with others. I also had the confidence and reassurance that exploring on my own should be encouraged with the right preparation such as always let someone know where and when you are going somewhere alone. I often liked to go on walks and runs by myself, I also had a self-date day where I looked on RedNote and found a cafe to do work and got lunch at a spot that looked and WAS delicious. Throughout these experiences, the conversations I had with locals was always the cherry on top.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I broke my finger the first week of classes by playing basketball with classmates and the local middle schoolers, had a cold one week, and had a minor eye surgery (extraction). I had both walk-in and appointment visits. The process was fast, efficient, and helpful. The insurance the program had us on was very great for all my health situations. In America, we know that walk-ins are not usually seen unless specified or at the ER/urgent care so it was amazing to see the accessibility of healthcare. Administration would help with making appointments, transportation, getting needed materials, and would even offer to accompany us students. My roommate and friends accompanied me. The administration would continue to make sure everything was alright which was much appreciated.

Beijing was very safe. I rarely felt uneasy or as if I were in danger. I was appreciative that our teachers and admin took proactive measures to educate us on traffic in Beijing as well as the importance of letting others know where and what we are doing especially if alone. The traffic in Beijing definitely took some getting used to. There are bikes, motorcyles, cars, trucks, you name it and the traffic is usually busy so defiinitely pay attention to where you are going. I was surprised to know that bikes/motorcycles can ride on the sidewalk, just because in America, it is generally illegal in some states for them to ride on the sidewalk. There are times when you are going out and people are intoxicated so just be mindful of who you are talking to and the situation in itself, the only uncomfortable situation I had was with foreigners who were not respecting my space and my decision of saying "no," and times that I felt overcrowded from someone wanting to add my WeChat in passing but being pushy about it. Just be confident in your decisions and think ahead before doing. The meeting we go to that displays all the safety concerns and tips is great for that, also they give a contact card with all important phone numbers and information which I think was so beneficial for my health situations.

It sounds dramatic, but yes, studying abroad through CET Beijing indubitably brought me back to life. My spring semester prior to studying abroad that following fall, I was starting to feel a sense of burnout and was frustrated when I would go to class. It felt like my routine was just classwork, class, study, practice, and repeat. I lost a sense of direction and forgot that I am supposed to be enjoying the journey of education and life itself. This program not only allowed me to challenge myself but provided endless opportunities to remind myself what I value in life. Connection, experience, love, and more. I fell in love with the people I met, the experiences we made, the way the environment was super communal and supportive. There were many instances where I balanced the feeling of community with independence and a great atmosphere. This program had multiple aspects that helped me grow into an even better person today with more perspective and drive. I have realized that beautiful things can come from a path that goes a bit astray from an original blueprint. This program allowed me to make decisions that were more spontaneous which I believe is something I was missing prior to this experience. I studied hard but also relearned, through the genuine friendships and adventures, that you should enjoy whatever journey you are on! The reason my spring semester returning back was so good was because of this program, and I am very grateful.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I was able to do pretty well with spending money because a lot of the food options around us were super affordable. I feel like I have never spent a ridiculous amount of money on food because I ate locally and at the dining hall a lot. When we go out to eat with friends we always split the bill which also is super affordable for the amount of dishes you get.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Local Students

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Class seminar
• Class structure/opportunities
• Staff/Roommates! (everyone was so supportive)

• Clarity on ability to participate in extra curriculars
• Debrief on dining hall foods (in case someone has special eating requirements/ordering anxiety)
• More outdoor seating potentially to do work, a bunch of people within my cohort loved doing work/sitting outside but there was limited seating

The Outright Urbanite