Enjoy China and Make the Most of It. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The first difference is the textbook; it doesn't link in well with William & Mary's, so when I return I am going to have to decide between 202 and 302 after sitting through a few classes. I would have, if I stayed at William & Mary, definitely be in 202, but I could possibly be in 302 (or possibly qualified for 301 during the Spring semester). It's an odd position to be in. The grading system makes it hard to do poorly, though getting an A is still difficult - the grades don't transfer back anyway, but it might matter if you're applying to grad school or something like that. The teachers were all local Chinese people, all experienced and good at their jobs. Classes were in Chinese (I took 301) and the material was well structured by the instructors. I think Su Laoshi back at W&M is still the best Chinese teacher I've had in terms of seeing when I don't understand and finessing her drilling to make you practice, but I had Dong Laoshi at the program and felt that she did a good job challenging myself and the class. The workload is heavy but bearable. Overall, I don't think it's possible to have a bad experience - the goal is to prepare students to take the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (Chinese Level Test) and pass as fluent.

On-site administration of your program

The only difficulty of the program itself were the number of students and the small space that we all used as a lounge. Hopefully, moving into the new History Department that is being built will solve that problem. Otherwise, the staff were well aware of American universities, most of the administration having received doctorates from American universities, others having studied in the US and all of the teachers having learned English under native English speakers. They were also well aware of Beijing and Chinese and American customs. The program is full of good go-to people.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I spent most of my time with a Chinese friend who was a student at an American university and a student in the program, and he lived in another hotel so I didn't practice Chinese with the people in my dorm. His building had both a washer and dryer, which was convenient (most Chinese dorms only have washers), and internet was less of a problem at his place, though there were always hotspots at my original dorm. Otherwise, the dorms that I lived in weren't a terrible hassle; I brought an air-mattress before coming, which was a terrific-buy. As for the city, Beijing is safe, fun and has every convenience you can think of. Unfortunately, a lot of students went out too often to party, and a lot of students got sick and spread their germs throughout the dorm. I would recommend being a little more balanced, avoiding street food (the same food costs a little more in a restaurant, and by a little more I mean less than a dollar). Hours at the cafeterias are early for Chinese students' schedules, but finding food isn't at all difficult off campus or in convenience stores on campus. Comfort- and Aesthetic-wise, Chinese dorms aren't five star - a 2.5 at best; but, in terms of safety and being provided for, Beijing is one of the safest cities in the world and, if you make smart decisions, getting by is not a hassle.

I put some advice in the living section. Chinese food is a little greasier and oilier than I expected, and I have stomach problems that are sensitive to that issue. But, I never had any problems with the food. I always asked for non-spicy food and, even when we travelled to Sichuan, that wasn't a problem. Places to eat are common, fruit is sold in stands next to the Taiwan Pancake stand as well as on the other side next to the Milk Tea stand. Chinese food in China isn't at all like Chinese food in the US, but it's very good, doesn't take too long to adjust to and shouldn't become a problem. Just adding, there are restaurants all over the city and a good row of restaurants out the Northwest gate around the KFC. Be careful of quality when you go to smaller places and take care of yourself. Chinese food definitely added to my experience.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is a long evaluation. Okay, we saw shaolin monks throwing darts and breaking spears with their bear chest. My class met a calligrapher and many musicians performing on traditional instruments such as the erhu and guzheng. Everyone improved their haggling skills on the local shops across China. We had dinner as a class. Some students went to see Chinese doctors practicing traditional medicine. A class went to try Chinese massages (from a reputable place of course). Some students went to see the Forbidden City. Many students went to the Great Wall - for me, I went twice and met some new friends from another university that came along on our trip, and they were graduate students in a teaching program at Beijing Language and Cultural, where most teachers come from, so they actually helped tutor me on the weekends. Oh right, and we saw pandas eating, rolling around, and even baby pandas being fed.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Beijing is a safe city. It's always smart to travel alone, especially later in the day. Also, watch how much you drink, you don't want people to take advantage of you. Be aware that real taxis are the yellow ones, not the black ones, and the rates are not adjustable. People got sick either from the weather, trying to adjust to food quickly, eating street food which is of varying quality, and simply not taking care of yourself. You are, I think, more independent in this program than at William & Mary and you need to better distinguish between reputable and otherwise places. Also, the air in Beijing is a nuisance to everyone. If you're staying for a long time, it may be worth it to buy a mask; they're common in major cities and more commonly used in China than the US.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

All the teachers, students and locals. Most people in China do not speak English, except at key jobs, so getting around isn't too difficult with a little Chinese. I found that I was practicing with everyone, from teachers to taxi drivers to people on the street. I found the environment encouraging and full of opportunities to practice and learn Chinese.

Select all that apply

• Hotel
• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Travelling
• Life
• Studies

• More free time
• Make Chinese friends, they make a world of difference
• Classes have long hours