Best Study Abroad Experience I've Ever Had Past Review
By A student (Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 01/01/2009 to 05/01/2009 with
The Beijing Center: Semester and Full Year Abroad
Before I came to Beijing, I was a relatively shy person. But because most people in the city spoke only Mandarin, I was forced to be daring and communicative just to get through the day. In this way, it made me a stronger person. My experience in Beijing also helped to spark a love for travel, and at this point I've visited 18 countries and counting. It was absolutely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Hard work! But worth it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff made the transition to life in Beijing much easier than I expected it to be. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The food around campus was even better! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any specific health problems, but I know that the program did a great job taking care of my classmates who got sick. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The Beijing Center offers a comprehensive program--the educational components are strong and challenging, but they also provide many opportunities for students to engage directly with local culture. The two-week class trip to Yunnan Province is one of the most spectacular things I've ever had the privilege of experiencing. Living in Beijing was fantastic--if smoggy--and by the time the semester ended, I didn't want to leave. I wish I could have returned for the fall semester! |
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) |
Ah, the benefits of a favorable exchange rate. |
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 |
I got lots of practice speaking Mandarin! The classes were very helpful, as was the opportunity to work directly with a tutor. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Just speak it as frequently as you can, even if you're afraid you'll get it wrong. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? |
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? | You do not need to bring as many clothes as you think you do. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
