Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Immersive, intense, fun, rewarding. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/30/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Incredibly worthwhile. Besides the huge growth in my language abilities, I made amazing friends and learned so much about myself and what I need as a person.

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.

I learned more in Beijing than I have almost anywhere else. Great teachers, great support, really hard.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Fantastic. I felt incredibly well supported the entire time whether it be for academics or for cultural adjustments.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living in such close corders with fellow program members and also getting the benefit of staying with native students.

* Food:

Cheep, lots of options, no complaints.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated through my roommate. I would have liked to be part of more clubs.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

n/a

* Safety:

I always felt safe. I made sure to go out with other students just in case.

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

This whole program really just blew me away. We had a lot of independence and yet so much support when we needed it. I hope that everyone has a chance to experience something like Middlebury in Beijing at some point in their lives.

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? about 100 dollars a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? n/a

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? Beginner
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? 200 level
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? Don't be afraid to talk and make mistakes!

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

  • 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?
  • Classes
  • Friends
  • Professors
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Spoken Chinese
Course Department: Chinese Language
Instructor: Du Bingxiao
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: Very Challenging but very rewarding. We were assessed with oral presentations, tests, and quizzes.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.