You don't need to speak Chinese to go to China :-) Past Review
By Cecelia M (Economics., Boston College) for
Peking University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My Chinese level skyrocketed thanks to the immersion program. Living with a host family was also a life-changing experience; I am so grateful to them for hosting me. They were so kind and welcoming, and I feel like I learned so much from them and their culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations were met - one thing that I would highlight is that it was difficult for them to find a homestay for me, and I didn't know until the week that I started whether I would be staying in dorms or living with a family. Other than that, everything was great. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I mean, I love Chinese food... (seriously, I do!) but in general, the campus had multiple dining facilities that were all reasonably priced. I ate there sometimes, and with my host family other times. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There are two great trips a semester where you go to a bunch of different places. I was a big fan, and really appreciated the opportunit to travel. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I think in general, China is very safe for foreigners. I did not have any issues with health. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would highly recommend this program if 1) You really want to learn Chinese, or 2) You really want to have a good time. If you are looking for an extremely disciplined, academic, non-Chinese-language program, this is not it. The Chinese immersion program is a wonderful way to learn Chinese. As of 2008, that was only available for students with some Chinese language experience. This may have changed. The Chinese language courses are definitely the strength of the program - other courses were OK, but not great. |
