To Xi'an and Beyond! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

When we first began, the work load seemed very overwhelming. We had class for three hours a day and would complete half a chapter everyday with new vocabulary and grammar. Everyone adjusted after the first month though and by the end it felt very natural to have long classes and we were able to complete our assignments quicker. Teaching methods varied from each teacher but classes were small which allowed everyone lots of individual attention. The difference between this program and my home school classes were the fast pace and intense focus we devoted to studying everyday.

On-site administration of your program

Our program leader was absolutely fantastic. I could not have asked for someone better. He had only recently moved to Xi'an but he threw himself into learning all about the city and province to be better able to answer our questions. He was very accessible, always supportive, and always had a positive attitude even in tough spots. Al my expectations were met thanks to his and the other faculty members' hard work.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our campus was like a small community. It had dorms but it also had apartment buildings that housed the families of faculty and staff members as well as grad students. There was also an elementary and middle school on campus for the children of those families. Right behind the campus was a senior center that often held events for the elderly. The whole ares was very safe and welcoming. The campus is famous in China for it's beauty. It has multiple parks and fountains with plenty of space to sit to study or relax. It is probably the greenest campus in China. We stayed in a hotel on campus that provided all the furniture we needed so you don't need to buy anything.The hotel is about a 15 minute walk from lasses and a ten minute walk to the cafeterias

There are three cafeterias, two of which are two story buildings.First floors are usually more cafeteria style but second floors are more like diners and restaurants.There are also two small markets where you can buy fresh food. All of those places are great for food but the surrounding neighborhood has just as many places to go. Out of the old west gate is a street called Shi Da Lu that has three western style coffee shops that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you're missing hamburgers and pizza.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The highlight of this program is the 14 day trip you will take around western China. It is an absolutely fantastic experience and involves hiking, mountain climbing,biking,camping,and visiting multiple beautiful cities. Besides that though, there are weekly field trip to cultural hot spots in the city as well as campus activities to get involved in.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Hospitals are difficult to navigate on your own but the faculty is willing to help you at any hour in case of an emergency. We had a few occasions when people got sick or hurt and our staff was great about getting us quick and helpful treatment. Healthcare is a little different and you can choose between western or traditional chinese medicine. Both have strengths and weaknesses for healing and you're encouraged to try both. Living abroad you will experience occasional stomach issues with food and some infections while your body adjusts to the new environment. I wouldn't say anything we experienced was because of Xi'an itself. However, because it is China there is always an issue with the air pollution so if yo have asthma you need to be aware of that. This program did not require any vaccines.

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

The program pairs you up with a native speaker for your room mate so everyone has at least one person they can practice speaking with. We spoke Chinese in class everyday and they even challenged us to speak Chinese during breaks and interactions with teachers outside of class. Because the school that hosts us is a teaching college (meaning it specializes in training teachers), most students I befriended knew a little English. It was great for talking to people as I could speak Chinese to them and they would speak English to me.

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• Hotel

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• Other
• International Students
• Americans

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• Americans

• The 14 day trip that traveled along the silk road
• The amazing city full of culture and history
• Tai Chi and Calligraphy classes that were offered as optional courses

• There seems to be a continual problem with internet in the rooms. The staff has been wrking on it but as of yet some people still can't receive internet in their rooms.