Best Time of My Life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

TBC has a private library for TBC students and staff with more books on China and Asia than I could even read. All the resources you need to study and or research can be found in that library. Not to mention its a great chill/ study spot.

On-site administration of your program

TBC staff are AMAZING! I never felt alone. Anything I needed, of relevance of course, they were there to help me out. What I loved most about tBC staff is that they didn't just do everything for me. They gave me the tool and resources for me to figure things out on my own and explore Beijing without a guide. This way I was able to get a feel for the large city and meets many people outside of my program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Rooms are pretty spacious for a two person. We have our own bathroom in our room which is very convenient. Rooms also come with a huge flat screen TV, mini fridge, desks for studying and a round table which me and my roommate often enjoyed meals at.

I would rate this 10 Stars if I could. Food was excellent. Of course there were some things I wasn't particularly fond of, but overall most things I tried, I fell in love with. Even the food in the university's dining hall was great and super cheap all around.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Unlike some of my peers, I made it my business to meet students and others from different cultural, ethnic and racial backgrounds. I found that I integrated into Chinese culture rather fast and rather easily. I was adamant about using my Chinese language skills to get around and chat to people rather than relying in English, in which you could only speak to other foreigners.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to the doctor three or so times while I was in China (nothing major, just personal) and it was fairly easy. I called ahead of time, (sometimes the day before) to make an appointment at a specific hospital recommended by TBC, then I called our insurance company so that they could cover the medical bill. Then I would go to my appt, get checked up and be on my way. All I ever needed to bring with me was a my passport.

My 10 months in China was the safest I ever felt in all my life. I felt more safe in China than I do in America. There are very few major crimes.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Coming from America, the exchange rate definitely worked well in my favor. I was spending about $2-3 per meal, so very little. Some western restaurants were more expensive, charging typical western prices but if I ate at a Chinese place the food was relatively cheap. Also its pretty cheap to shop, I looked for places with sales and you can even barter down the price in some places. Of course if you are traveling and shopping every weekend you will spend way more.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Host Family

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• Americans

• Integration with other international students in the dorm
• TBC sponsored trips on thee weekends
• 2 week excursion every semester

• Choice in faculty

The Outright Urbanite