Beijing, China Past Review
By erik.angamarca (International Political Economy, Fordham University) - abroad from 02/18/2013 to 05/31/2013 with
CIEE: Beijing - Intensive Chinese Language
I gained more proficiency in Chines and a greater exposure to the Chinese culture and people
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very rigorous Chinese courses, but definitely do-able. 4/5 courses were taught in Chinese. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were very organized and helpful at all times. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My homestay grandmother was amazing. She exposed me to Chinese culture and food. She was very nice and attentive. |
| * Food: |
Lots of options all around campus |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very! Lots of excursions and trips |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Stated during the 1st day. The staff was very helpful if issues arised. |
| * Safety: |
It is one of the safest cities in the world. As long as you act with caution, everything should be alright. |
| 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) |
Food was 1.50 because of the exchange rate. Beijing is dirt cheap! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | not sure, but it wasnt a lot. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just make sure you keep track of how much you spend. |
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 |
They encouraged it all the time, but did not enforce it. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 2 semesters of Chinese |
| 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? | Meet friends outside the program!!! |
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? | Nothing. It was a great experience |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
