China: Physically Draining but Mentally Enlightening Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load was comparable to my American class's counterpart. The real challenge was the fact I was living in China and has to use Chinese as a means of communication everywhere, all day, every day. Because classes ran from 8am to 12pm everyday, there was lots of opportunity to get spoken experience, which was a plus for me. My class in America only runs 1 hour, 4 days a week, so I don't feel like I get a lot of practice speaking Chinese. My tones significantly improved this summer.

On-site administration of your program

I really, sincerely appreciated the support network provided by CIEE Beijing's ground team. For example, when I got sick and had to go to the hospital, one of the teachers took me and a friend (who was there for support) in hand, and walked us through the whole process. She was very understanding and explained everything too me, making me feel a lot more comfortable going to a Chinese hospital, where I was afraid the language barrier would prevent me from being able to seek adequate treatment.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My dorm was located on the same floor, same building as my classrooms, so it was extremely convenient. However, the fact that our classrooms were so close to our living quarters facilitated a more insular community, which might not have been to our benefit in the long run. I did have the opportunity, though, to live with a host family for a 2 week period, which was a great opportunity to use my Chinese within family situations.

I have an allergy to mono-sodium glutamate (MSG), which is very commonly used in Chinese cooking (called weijing in Chinese). This was hard to avoid, and when I asked waiters to avoid putting it in, they always responded with "but it won't taste as good" rather than understanding my allergy. Unfortunately, I was a sick often, especially towards the later half of the program.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had a long-weekend (5 days total) off from class, in which we had the opportunity to explore other parts of China. A group of friends and I took the newly opened bullet train down to Shanghai for the weekend, which was fun because we got to experience life in a different city.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I myself never had an safety-related incidents, but I have heard of other students who got robbed. Please be careful with your belongs. And if you go out drinking, designate at least one person as the responsible, sober one. Health-wise, I was nearly sick every day in one way or another. From food problems, to a bad cough (probably due to the pollution), and headaches. However, when I needed serious medical attention, the administration was always there to help me.

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

I practiced Chinese with my classmates (in the classroom), my teachers, and my language partners. Plus, I had to utilize Chinese in daily living situations. However, I'd have to say I was primarily surrounded by the English of my classmates. This, however, could easily have been avoided had a I dedicated myself to an absolute Chinese language experience.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

• Administration
• Extracurricular trips
• Classmates

• Food safety
• More opportunities to interact with Chinese students
• Larger cultural reimbursement