Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One-on-One Tutoring Program in Beijing Past Review

By (Regent University) - abroad from 01/10/2017 to 04/08/2018 with

Go Abroad China : Internship in China Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had a fairly positive experience with GAC. I lived with a young Chinese professional (no English) and studied 6 hours a day with a tutor provided by GAC. I would recommend it if you really plan to improve your Mandarin level. Accommodation was great. I had everything that I needed. I had a small living room, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1 kitchen. Neighborhood was definitely safe and generally speaking I have to say that China is very safe. GAC coordinators were very helpful and attentive. Do not hesitate to ask them to accommodate or help you. As for my chinese lessons, in the beginning I learned mostly the basics, like how to order food in Chinese, transportation, greetings etc. But as I moved to the intensive Mandarin lessons, it definitely got much trickier and just the amount of stuff I had to learn increased. Learning Chiese is a very interesting thing, since you gonna meet a lots classes from all over the world. We are having fun during studying Mandarin in a small group class together, we all learnt a lot from our Chinese teacher. I really enjoyed studying Chinese though!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Learning Chinese
* What could be improved?
  • The classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Prior to coming to China I did not speak any Chinese at all, and naturally this makes life a little bit difficult, especially when trying to get directions or ordering food at restaurants. However, the program coordinator’s service was extremely good. They were extremely friendly and helpful, and made the transition to Beijing life much easier than it would otherwise have been. The program also provides me some Chinese classes, GAC has teir own Mandarin school in Beijing and shanghai. I learnt a lot about Chinese language. After a few months of learning Mandarin in small group class with GAC , and my Chinese indeed inproved a lot. I will recommend this program as it provides a very unique and rewarding experience, and is provided by a very professional and helpful organization.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'