Best experience of my entire life! Past Review
By Korey D (Communication, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign) - abroad from 06/01/2012 to 07/31/2012 with
CRCC Asia: Internship Program in Beijing
Cultural appreciation, friends, understanding of Chinese business, invaluable work experience, lifelong memories.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I gained an invaluable amount of work experience during the course of my marketing internship. I believe the experience has enhanced my resume to new heights, and will surely assist me in my future profession. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CRCC is a top-notch organization. All of the interns had a sense of ambiguity and nervousness when entering the program. But rest assured, all these tensions were alleviated when we meet the CRCC staff. They are available 24/7 to assist you in every way imaginable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment complex was amazing! Me and my roommates had an amazing time, and lived quite comfortably. The apartment manager was actually an American man, and lived in the complex. He was also available 24/7, and he's also very friendly! |
| * Food: |
One word....Amazing. There's nothing quite like authentic Chinese food. The one thing I certainly miss most about Beijing. Food is insanely affordable too! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My favorite part of the internship program was the cultural immersion aspect. You're living right in the middle vibrant Beijing, riding subways, buses etc etc.. Also, the nightlife was incredible. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
CRCC is there for you around the clock. I remember one of my friends in the program actually had appendicitis while in Beijing. CRCC checked him into the hospital, and had someone with him at all hours. Additionally, Medicine is incredibly affordable, and all the doctors speak English. |
| * Safety: |
Beijing is still a developing city, with it's share of problems. It can be dangerous at times, but only if you're looking for trouble. Just be smart, and you'll have the time of your life! |
| 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) |
I honestly saved money while in Beijing. Food, and transit is incredibly affordable. Make sure you bring cash though, preferably exchanged with a personal bank back home. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Personally, $125 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at the small side restaurants!!!!!! The food is amazing and the price is crazy cheap. |
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 |
Teaches basic's of Mandarin, while not overwhelming you. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| 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? | Be patient, and always smile. |
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 wish I would have brought more money to spend. Beijing has an extensive network of fake goods. You are able to barter with shop keepers on price. Also, I wish I would have signed up for another month! |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
