Excellent and enjoyable learning experience Past Review
By Edward W (None) - abroad from 07/20/2015 to 07/31/2015 with
LTL Mandarin School: Learn Chinese in China
I have a good appreciation of the Chinese language and culture, and basic language skills
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This was a good introduction to Mandarin. It wasn't too overwhelming yet not too easy. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I recommend the home stay, though I did the apartment option. If you do the apartment option in the summer, be sure to get the option for the big room if you want air conditioning. |
| * Food: |
The food in Beijing is good and cheap |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I wish I would have done the home stay. It would be more immersive and give more opportunity for practice. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no need for healthcare during the program. |
| * Safety: |
Beijing seemed at least as safe as cities in the U.S. Pedestrians do need to watch for traffic. Cars do not yield, so make sure you look in all directions when crossing the street, even when you have the crossing signal. |
| 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) |
This place is cheap. I have an income, so I really didn't track my expenses. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | All my meals seem to be less than $2. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get food from the street vendors. It is good and 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 |
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| 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? | B2, but in a different language |
| 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? | Home stay. Do it! |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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? | How humid Beijing can be in July |
