Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It's a tough program with rewarding experiences. July 28, 2025

By (Chinese, Wofford College) - abroad from 02/12/2025 to 05/31/2025 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about who I want to be as a person and the beauty of sharing and understanding the differences and similarities from the culture you grew up in to the culture that you have chosen to immerse yourself in.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

You are there to study the language, so it is fair to expect that the workload will not be easy. Although at times it felt overwhelming, and I had to step out of my comfort zone, in the end, it did feel rewarding.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt that they genuinely cared about the students and wanted us to enjoy our time there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They assign you a Chinese roommate and you live in the Capital Normal University's International Building, which is similar to living in a two-bedroom hotel room.

* Food:

Good food! At the school's cafeteria, you have many selections every day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

I felt that everything was pretty inexpensive and affordable compared to America.

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

We had a language pledge that we had to adhere to.

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? CHIN 302
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 scared to say the wrong thing, it's the only way you'll learn. Try to have fun and not put too much pressure on yourself.

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?
  • living with a local roommate
  • language pledge
* What could be improved?
  • outside class activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Live in the moment and try not to overthink. If you have a question just ask. The teachers are there to help and are willing to help with anything and everything.

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!