Cultural Immersion in China was a once in a lifetime experience that I would not trade for anything! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had never studied Mandarin before and went to China only knowing 1-2 words total. The classes were great intro-level classes, and the teacher was so nice and patient. The workload was fine- not too difficult and the completeness was not graded, so if you didn't understand something it wasn't a big deal. The classes were small, composed of only those of us that were participating in INTO China's programme, so there was no pressure and we could all learn at the same pace. It almost felt like being in elementary school, learning to sound things out, and learning to write our names, but it was the perfect 4 week programme for teaching you the basics! We were graded on our attendance, our effort and at the very end we had a small oral exam. Great programme & great intro to the language!

On-site administration of your program

There were several mentors and tutors that were available for us from the moment we landed in the Beijing airport to the moment we went through our gate at the end of the programme. We had everything we needed in terms of assistance. The amount of people in my group was 12, and there were at least 8 mentors, so plenty of help and plenty of people around to assist with whatever we needed! The programme met and went way above my expectations- it was so much fun!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were clean, each had it's own bathroom/shower and was located on DUFE's campus. There is a "Walmart" across the street and several restaurants including McDonalds and Pizza Hut within walking distance. Cabs are easy to catch, and you can get to clubs, other restaurants and shopping very easily for very cheap. Bedding is provided, as is a kettle in your room and a few hangers in the closet- but you will need to bring towels, soap/shampoo/etc... and if you want to do any cooking on your own, then you will need to buy cooking things. All of the students staying in the dorms were quiet and nice (it's an International Student-only dorm).

The food was great in my opinion, although the cafeteria food was not so good. I only ate breakfast at the cafeteria, and paid for my own meals off campus. The restaurants that were paid for that we were taken to were all great- especially the Hot Pot and Korean BBQ places! I would recommend trying street food, since it is part of the experience- just eat a little bit so you don't get sick! Everything is really reasonably priced, and you can find either meat or vegetarian dishes everywhere. I would definitely recommend that you try as many different things as possible!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was an INCREDIBLE adventure! We got to experience so much in our 4 weeks, including the famous sites like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. We also got to see all of the exciting things in Dalian. Every organized trip was great- the transportation was always comfortable enough and meals were often provided. In Dalian I most enjoyed the zoo, the Golden Pebble Beach & the Kung Fu school/presentation. Everyday we had the opportunity to do things on our own, and every weekend we had planned trips to do cultural things and see important places. I was never bored!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had health problems, but there was a little hospital right next door to the dorms, so it seemed like it was very accessible. I did not need any vaccines or anything for this programme, and I never got sick other than from eating too much rich foods all at once. The cities both seemed very safe- I never felt threatened or scared, even while taking cabs by myself. Be sure to only take MARKED taxis though, do not accept a ride from an unmarked taxi- they can rip you off or not take you to your destination. If you are going somewhere in a taxi, know the name of the place in Chinese or have a dictionary with you so you can communicate effectively! I would recommend locking up your passport in your dorm and only taking the money you need at that time with you just in case.

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

I came to China only knowing 1-2 words and left knowing how to form a few complete sentences and the basics. I am not anywhere near being fluent, but I felt way more comfortable knowing a few things! I would recommend practicing and having a dictionary. I did not have to use the language everyday- but our mentors encouraged us to practice with them when we weren't in class. All of the mentors and the teacher spoke English, so we had them to practice with, but most people in Dalian do not speak English, so we needed to have a dictionary or a mentor with us to translate! It was not intimidating or difficult to go out on our own though- I had no problem getting taxis and shopping on my own.

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students
• Other

• The trips and activities
• Meeting incredible people from around the world
• Being able to spend time in both Beijing and Dalian

• The cafeteria food could be improved
• b
• More free time to explore