Hard work, fun, and lots of learning! September 06, 2024
By A student (Global affairs, economics, Chinese, Yale University) - abroad from 02/16/2024 to 06/01/2024 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Beijing
I learned how incredibly adaptable I am. I also learned more about my identity, especially as an American, while removed from my usual life context. I gained a much deeper level of fluency in the Chinese language. I would say the experience was worthwhile.
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. |
The quality of education was great -- my language skills improved vastly during the short time I was there. The workload was very intense, however, and did feel like a barrier to taking advantage of my time in-country to explore, travel, etc. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was good! The teachers/staff cared about students, were willing to work with them to help resolve issues, etc. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The quality of the housing itself was fair (although there were several weekends where hot water was shut off to the dorms). The international dorm building we were in limited us in our ability to interact with native students, however. Additionally, campus was not in a very interesting part of the city. |
| * Food: |
The food on campus was good and cheap ($2 for a meal). Plenty of good restaurants within subway/bus distance as well. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program connected us with local volunteer partners who, for the most part, worked very hard to socialize and connect with us. We also had opportunities to travel inside and outside of Beijing and connect to the culture in that way. However, living in the international student dorm was not the most conducive to integrating with the local culture. Additionally, some people we met were distrusting of foreigners, especially Americans. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any experiences with local healthcare. Vaccination was required beforehand, which was fairly expensive. Stomach problems were also fairly common throughout the program for myself and other students. Air quality was also another issue. |
| * Safety: |
There were no incidents with safety during the program. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
There is simply no better program for advanced language study. While it was intense at times, I learned a lot. |
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) |
The exchange rate made food/personal expenses, broadly speaking, affordable. |
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 |
Middlebury in Beijing adheres to a strict language pledge that requires use of Chinese throughout the duration of the program |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | I had completed 5th semester college level Chinese |
| 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? | Do your best to adhere to the language pledge! It really helps. Between that and the level of work you are expected to do, you will be practicing the language almost 24/7 |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how intense the level of study would be |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
