An Unforgettable Journey to China August 27, 2025

By Grace W (High School) - abroad from 07/19/2025 to 08/03/2025 with

Go Abroad China: Teen Mandarin Study Tour & Cultural Immersion in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

This overseas experience has brought me abundant gains: I not only got to experience painting Peking Opera facial masks and visiting local markets, but also toured the Great Wall and the Forbidden City—all of which felt far more vivid than what I’d learned from textbooks. I also learned to break through language barriers; even when communicating with hand gestures, I could still feel the kindness from others. Of course, it was totally worthwhile! The warm soy milk from the convenience store in the morning, the patient assistance from the staff, and the souvenirs full of memories in my suitcase—these are all little heartwarming blessings. This experience has made me more accepting of "differences". Whenever I think of this place, specific warm images come to mind, and this kind of inner growth is more precious than any other gain.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I really enjoy all the courses and activities. The teachers are extremely friendly and deliver their lessons exceptionally well. I find the course content fascinating and inspiring. The schedule is well-organized too. During this program, apart from the teachers, everyone else I've met is also very kind. I particularly love the group activities, as they have allowed me to visit many famous local buildings.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The entire process from landing to the project execution has been incredibly reassuring. Upon our arrival at the local airport, the staff were already waiting for us. They assisted us with purchasing public transport cards and local SIM cards, and also provided a detailed briefing on important tips for daily life in the area. Throughout the whole experience, they have maintained highly efficient communication—any questions we had were addressed the same day. The staff members have been exceptionally patient: whether it’s during working hours or their personal time, they always respond proactively whenever we have a request or need assistance.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	My host family is absolutely amazing! They've prepared a private room just for me, I am extremely satisfied with the accommodation arrangement! There are supermarkets and convenience stores nearby, making daily shopping incredibly convenient. When we first moved in, the place felt very clean and tidy. Every day when we return to our accommodation, we feel very comfortable. I'm also extremely grateful to the GoAbroadChina team—it's thanks to them that I got such a wonderful host family.
* Food:	Food is easily my favorite part—we’re served delicious meals every single day. And Peking duck is by far my favorite!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I feel incredibly integrated into the local culture and haven’t had any trouble adapting at all. The person in charge has thought of absolutely everything down to the smallest detail. So over the past few days, I’ve just focused on learning Chinese, experiencing Chinese culture, visiting scenic spots, joining group activities, trying local cuisine, and enjoying life—no worries whatsoever, and I’ve been truly happy. Some aspects of Chinese culture feel so novel and interesting to me, like eating out at restaurants, painting facial masks (for Peking Opera), and the occasional flexible adjustment of class times.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Haven’t experienced any health problems
* Safety:	This place is very safe.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes I also want to continue coming to China to live and learn Chinese through Go Abroad China.

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)	I really love buying snacks and souvenirs here—I want to take them back for my family and friends. The items aren’t expensive, and I spend around 70 US dollars on them every week.

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?	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?	I haven’t been in China for long, so I’ve only taken beginner-level Chinese courses so far. But they’ve been really interesting—they’ve sparked my interest in continuing to learn Chinese in the future.
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Other
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?	Food People
* What could be improved?	Weather
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	It’s hot in July and August, and I don’t like the heat—so I’ll choose to come here in spring from now on.

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.'