superbly amazing, transformative Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/10/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel more empowered with my identity and cultural heritage. my language skills improved. I have discovered more professional options. I made great friendships with teachers and mentors and friends.

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.

Super amazing program, dedicated/supportive teachers and staff, flexible curriculum, diverse options and activities. Every experience was wonderful. My teachers and I have become good friends. I have learned and grown so much. My language improved a lot. Transformative semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

very experienced, dedicated and supportive admin who helped me and other students with everything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

we lived in a hotel basically--great place, location and service.

* 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:

I felt safer in China than in USA.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200-400 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? study at Midd summer language school. my friend did, and she said semester abroad's language was less challenging than midd summer lang school, which prepared her so well.

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

Chinese only. English not allowed.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? n/a
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? study at Midd's summer language school.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Flexibility
  • Support
  • Diversity
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

classical chinese

Course Department: Chinese
Instructor: Qian
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: amazing, knowledgeable, fun teacher; I learned so much in this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: n/a