Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Chinese Dream Past Review

By (International Studies, Gonzaga University) - abroad from 08/14/2015 to 12/14/2015 with

The Beijing Center: Semester and Full Year Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was invaluable because it expertly balanced exposure to a foreign culture and the community characteristic of Jesuit education. I felt very close to my fellow TBC students, but also never felt like I was held back from being immersed in the culture. I made many friends, traveled to wonderful places both in groups and by myself and gained knowledge from the classes that I wouldn't have had otherwise. Overall this was a wonderful program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chinese 200
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make lots of friends on campus and don't be afraid to go out there and look silly trying to speak the language. You can only learn by doing.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Exposure to people of other cultures
  • Travel
  • Academics
* What could be improved?
  • Pollution?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is hard to pinpoint any specific things. I wish I had known beforehand that in going to China it is inevitable and healthy that you feel like a fish out of water. It is how you are supposed to feel, and over the course of the term you will see yourself adjust and be more confident. You will see yourself grow.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.