Life - Changing Chinese Immersion: A Journey of Growth and Cultural Connection” August 21, 2025
By Kalia l (Chinese, High School) - abroad from 07/19/2025 to 08/03/2025 with
Go Abroad China: Teen Mandarin Study Tour & Cultural Immersion in China
I gained fluency in Chinese (from basic to confident conversations), deep cultural understanding (through festivals, family traditions), and independence. Met amazing people—classmates, homestay family—who broadened my worldview. 100% worthwhile—it changed how I see language and life!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The overall educational experience exceeded expectations! The Chinese language school’s curriculum is scientific and practical, progressing step by step from basic pronunciation to daily conversations. Teachers not only patiently explain grammar difficulties but also expand knowledge with cultural context. In this environment, my Chinese listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills have improved by leaps and bounds—I’ve truly gained a lot. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host country program management team is meticulous and caring! They planned everything for us before departure: recommending and helping us purchase suitable insurance in advance, explaining the insurance claim process in detail; they also helped us get local SIM cards, planned subway routes from our accommodation to school, and even sorted out subway card recharge tips. Once we arrived, they responded quickly to solve any life or study issues—we didn’t have to worry about a thing. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Choosing a homestay was the best decision! The host family is incredibly warm. From the first day of check-in, they helped me organize my room, introduced the household facilities, prepared hot home-cooked meals every day, and patiently taught me Chinese expressions at the dinner table. They often took me to family gatherings and local markets, taking care of me like family, making me feel warmth even in a strange city. |
| * Food: |
The dining experience with the homestay family is perfect! The host aunt cooks local home-cooked dishes and Chinese cuisine with different recipes every day—porridge and steamed buns for breakfast, stir-fries and soups for dinner—all making me feel the taste of home. During meals, they teach me Chinese names of ingredients and cooking terms, satisfying my taste buds while practicing Chinese in daily life—it’s a win-win! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
With the help of the homestay family, I quickly integrated into local life! The hosts take me to walk in nearby parks, participate in community activities, and teach me traditional customs like making dumplings and pasting Spring Festival couplets. Communicating with family members in Chinese every day, plus interacting with teachers and classmates at school, not only made my Chinese more fluent but also let me deeply feel the local cultural charm and human kindness. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Although I didn’t encounter any health issues during my study abroad and didn’t get to experience medical services, the advance preparations by the program team made me feel secure. Before departure, they explained the local medical system in detail, recommended insurance plans suitable for international students, and confirmed the insurance coverage and emergency contacts for us. This careful protection let me focus more on my studies and life. |
| * Safety: |
The host city is extremely safe! I never felt uneasy walking around, whether during the day or at night. Local police are responsive, and public areas are well - monitored. For future students, just follow basic safety habits—keep your belongings secure and avoid poorly - lit alleys late at night. Luckily, I had no safety - related incidents, all thanks to the city’s good order and the program’s pre - departure safety guidance. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Absolutely! The homestay warmth, effective language courses, and cultural immersion were unparalleled. It’s not just studying—it’s living the language and culture. I’d repeat it in a heartbeat! |
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) |
：Living on a student budget was super easy here! Staying in a homestay (only 2800 yuan/week) saved a lot on accommodation. Local snacks, meals at small restaurants, and transportation (like subway fares) were all affordable. I spent around 800 - 1000 yuan weekly on food and personal needs—way under the budget pressure I worried about before coming. The cost - effectiveness of this program made it a breeze to manage money! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 800 - 1000 yuan per week. Mostly on local street food, snacks, and occasional subway/bus fares. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Choose homestay accommodation—it’s not only budget - friendly but also cultural immersion! Eat at local markets or small family - run restaurants for tasty, cheap meals. Use public transport like subways instead of taxis. And buy group - purchase deals for activities/tours—they’re often much cheaper! |
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 |
The program was incredibly proactive in pushing language use! University courses (like Chinese classes) mandated speaking/writing in Chinese, and homestay families strictly communicated in Chinese—no English “escape routes.” Small group activities also focused on real - life dialogues. Every day felt like a “Chinese immersion bootcamp”—it’s why I’m rating 5 stars! |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Basic Chinese course |
| 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? | 1Live with a homestay—force yourself to speak the language daily! 2. Carry a small notebook to jot down new words from markets/street signs. 3. Join local hobby groups (like calligraphy or cooking classes) to practice in fun, real contexts. 4. Don’t fear mistakes—locals appreciate your effort and will help correct you! |
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’d known how daily small interactions (like chatting with homestay family at meals or bargaining at markets) would be the best language practice. Also, pre - saving local emergency numbers and learning basic “help - seeking” phrases (like “Where’s the nearest hospital?”) would’ve eased early worries. Small prep details make the big experience smoother! |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
