Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Abroad in Beijing Past Review

By (Finance and Chinese, The College of William and Mary) for

Peking University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad is essential to the growth of college students, especially those that are looking to enter and become involved in the global community. An invaluable and priceless opportunity and experience.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Qinghua University and Beijing University
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall it was great, it was just at times a little uncoordinated and not quite as I helpful as I thought it should be. Not quite as attuned to student needs as possible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family in their apartment, and it was one of the best experiences of my life.

* Food:

Love, love, love, love, LOVE Chinese food. Loved it every time I ate it, and so cheap too.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Since everything is so cheap in China, as well as cash-based, it is a good idea to bring a lot of cash in advance to avoid exchange fees.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?

This program was essential in helping me cultivate my language skills.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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  • Other
  • Other
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

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  • Other
  • Other
  • Other

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt disconnected from the College when I was abroad, and didn't feel like there was any effort made to ensure that things were going smoothly and that there were no major problems. One of the most disappointing aspects of study abroad.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Immerstion Chinese
Course Department: Chinese 410
Instructor: Li Xinfeng and Shi Wei
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: A great course with great teachers and interesting content. A highlight of my time abroad
Credit Transfer Issues: no