The most incredible four months of my life Past Review
By Thomas S (Chinese Language, Boston College) - abroad from 01/11/2015 to 05/08/2015 with
The Beijing Center: Semester and Full Year Abroad
Extremely worthwhile. I gained an insight into one of the most amazing cultures in the world. I learned so much about their history, culture, tradition and value. I know I will definitely be back
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This was a very challenging but rewarding semester academically. All my professors were incredible and very qualified. They forced me to think in new ways and make the most of my semester abroad. Some of the best professor's I've ever had |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was outstanding. Always available and making sure every student felt welcomed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very satisfied. Facilities were great and living with a Chinese roommate was one of the best experiences of my life |
| * Food: |
Food in Beijing was DEILICIOUS. A wide variety as well including cheap, expensive, authentic and western |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Felt very integrated with the local culture. I had many Chinese friends. I also got the opportunity to experience the countryside culture when our program took us on the excursion. An amazing culture |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Fortunately, I never had to experience the Health Care but my classmates that did said it was top rate. |
| * Safety: |
Overall Beijing is a very safe city. Never felt like I was in any serious danger |
| 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
4 China is generally much cheaper compared to America. Most meals would cost around 3$ |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
5 They paired us with a Chinese roommate and tutor that were students at the university. A language course was also required |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Advanced |
| 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 local friends that will practice the language with you |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How hard it would be to say goodbye to all the incredible friends I made |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
