The Beijing Swing Past Review
By Kelsey H (Economics., Kenyon College) - abroad from 02/13/2014 to 06/06/2014 with
China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
This experience was so incredibly worthwhile-- I really think everyone should go. It is fascinating to see a place so different from the U.S., to see the way the school system is structured, the way shops are built, the extensive food culture of China... It made me so much more confident in myself and also very independent. I also learned so much about this area of the world that contains almost 1/5 of the world's population, and it is astounding to think that back home, these pictures of university life, family life and the bustling Beijing streets are almost unknown. The program really opens your mind to new experiences and ideas, and also gives you the freedom to explore what you're interested in.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There were a nice variety of classes, and I especially liked the Chinese film course. I would have liked a stronger focus on Mandarin, since it was almost a necessity to get around in Beijing. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All the administration was excellent and really reached out to the students. There was no hierarchy, and I can honestly say that I saw Kitty and Han Bing as friends more than administrators. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorm situation was really nice, and it was cool to be stationed with other foreign students studying at BLCU. The home stay is definitely one of the best parts of this program-- it's not offered very frequently in other study abroad programs, and the families they choose are very welcoming. |
| * Food: |
One of my favorite parts about China! You can grab a standard meal for around $1.50 - $3.00, and when I felt like I was really overspending, the meal only cost around $5. Also, the food is absolutely delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I stayed with a host family and had a very activities going on outside of campus, so I felt very much integrated into Chinese society. Our classes were all with Alliance students, though, and I would have liked to meet more Chinese students at BLCU. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have a health issue problem, but the administration was very concerned about minor colds, coughs, etc. and would recommend medicines and more for us. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Everything is really cheap in Beijing, but you are required to pay for transportation, cell phone minutes, and other basic things that might raise the living cost a little higher than expenses. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Probably around $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep away from the souvenirs! They accumulate like crazy and you often pay too much for them (thanks, haggling system). |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 312 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Get involved with activities both on the BLCU campus and outside-- it's a great way to continue your Chinese practice. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would have brought more American gifts for Chinese friends-- you'll definitely want them once the end of your program rolls around. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
