Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

PiB is the best Chinese language study program in China Past Review

By (International Business and Chinese Language, Trinity University) - abroad from 06/21/2013 to 08/16/2013 with

Princeton University: Beijing - Princeton in Beijing, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Chinese proficiency improved significantly. I got to know many good friends and good teachers. It was worthwhile

Review Photos

Princeton University: Beijing - Princeton in Beijing, Summer Photo Princeton University: Beijing - Princeton in Beijing, Summer Photo

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.

Princeton in Beijing is an intensive Chinese program. Throughout the program, my speaking improved significantly. PiB professors are very helpful, friendly and approachable. There are also a lot of field trips as well as lectures during the program. We had chances to attend lectures featuring popular Chinese scholars.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The Food in Beijing was okay. I was a bit worried about the food hygiene.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe when I was at PiB.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In Beijing, you can enjoy a lot inexpensive food around BNU campus, and Wudaokou area.

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

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? Third Year 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? We were not allowed to speak English throughout the program and I believed that was the best way to improve your language skill.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • intensive learning atmosphere
  • natural language environment
* What could be improved?
  • Food Hygiene
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the food was not that great.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.