Beijing: Harder than you think, but more rewarding than you expect Past Review

By Catherine M (Business Admin, Fordham University) for

The Beijing Center: Semester and Full Year Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I am more of an adult now than I was before leaving. China has a way of pushing you to your limits. It is not for the faint of heart, but the experience will definitely be worth it. Very life changing.

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.	Chinese was the most challenging course. The teaching methods are similar as in the US, although you should show your professors a huge amount of respect.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Strengths-- location, planned trips, roommate activities in Beijing Weaknesses-- course selection
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:	n/a
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The Silk ROad and Guilin trips were amazing. Hands down, the best experiences of the semester.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I always felt safe
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?	Maybe $30 a week-- probs less. Food can be between $0.08 to $5.00 a meal and you pay for every meal. More money is spent on taxis and shopping.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Staying within the city is cheap, unless you show at western stores. Also, trains are more expensive than you'd expect.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Mandarin 1001
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	TBC provides a Chinese tutor for each student. They are very helpful. The best way to learn Chinese is by speaking with your tutor and writing your characters.