Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unforgettable Trip to China October 22, 2025

By (Chinese Language, Literature, Chulalongkorn University) - abroad from 08/01/2025 to 10/20/2025 with

Go Abroad China: GAC HSK Test Preparation Program (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This trip was truly worthwhile. I could communicate freely with local people, and my Chinese has improved by leaps and bounds. Beijing has many scenic spots—I visited the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, both of which are incredibly magnificent. I love the Temple of Heaven, a sacred place where I prayed to the gods in my heart. The food here is delicious, and hot pot has become my favorite dish. The GAC staff were really helpful and always responded promptly. I’ll definitely come back again, but next time I’ll choose winter so I can see the snow.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think GAC organized everything really well. They helped me with my visa application, picked me up from the airport, and arranged accommodation for me in a nice apartment. They also assisted me in downloading Alipay for mobile payments. With all this support, I can focus on learning Chinese without any worries, and everything has been going smoothly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I live in a clean apartment. It has air conditioning, a shower, and WiFi—overall, the living facilities are complete, and they ensure my safety and privacy. There’s a shopping mall right outside, making shopping and commuting very convenient.

* Food:

There are many snack streets near my apartment, with foods like spicy hot pot (malatang), noodles, dumplings, grilled squid, and more. The food is really delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I am of Chinese descent myself and live in a community with a large Chinese population, so I don’t feel any cultural shock.I’m very adapted to Chinese culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I’m in good health, and I bought insurance in advance, so I didn’t get sick during my stay in China. However, I did have a medical check-up here. The GAC staff called the hospital in advance to confirm if they could conduct the check-up that day and if they offered check-ups for foreigners. The check-up only took 20 minutes, and I got the results in the afternoon of the same day.

* Safety:

I live in Haidian District, Beijing. There are many universities nearby, and I want to say it’s extremely safe here. I can go out whenever I want, whether it’s daytime or nighttime.I haven’t encountered any issues. But if I ever do, I can contact GAC staff at any time, and they will help me deal with them.

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

I still want to keep practicing my Chinese.

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)

2.5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I’ve learned to use China’s Taobao and JD shopping apps. I think shopping online is cheaper than buying things in physical stores, and the delivery is very fast—usually arriving within three days.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? Advanced
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? Communicate more with local people

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Temple of Heaven,
  • Hot pot
  • my Chinese friends
* What could be improved?
  • Some ATMs can't exchange foreign currency. I've tried many of them, and it's really annoying.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Know in advance how to buy tickets for Chinese scenic spots online.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.