Dumplings are Delicious Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes are very challenging. Honestly, pretty much an easy GPA booster. The Chinese tracks can get pretty tough, but all the other classes are very easy. You can easily take 18 credits and have more than enough time for all of them. Most classes give very minimal homework.

On-site administration of your program

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing directors. Wentao and Jiajing were two of the sweetest most helpful people ever. I would just off of a cliff for these two. They were hilarious and were available to talk to at all times.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The rooms do the trick. They aren't pristine, but you get a private room and private bathroom, and they are a good size. They could use some cleaning and patchwork, but I was willing to overlook those. The pros far outweigh the cons, just be prepared for a bad mattress.

The only reason I am giving this 3 stars, is because I am the pickiest person on the planet. I don't eat vegetables and Chinese pretty much runs on vegetables. I loved a good piece of meat, but the Chinese meat can be kind of sketchy sometimes. The kungpao chicken is delicious, and Tibetan food is a must have. The food is cheap if you're going to street places. Noodles and rice restaurants outside the east gate is pretty good and very cheap. But expect to pay a bit more for a family style meal or an American style meal.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Its not possible to feel unintegrated. You're here for 4 months so you get pretty used to Chinese lifestyle. There are plenty of opportunities to make Chinese friends at English speaking clubs and even at night clubs. Make sure you go to all of the field trips and on your own trips in order to see all the country has to offer. The Chinese people are polite to foreigners and will often try to speak Chinese to you.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did have any issues other than a cold. I didn't need to go to the doctor at all, but people that did, the director took them and got them some medicine for pretty cheap.

All the the gates of campus had security guards at all times. Whether or not they do something, well I'm not sure, but at least they are there. 2 of the gates close at night and the only open gate is far aways from the dorm. The city feels pretty safe, just act like you do at home; don't go into dark alleys or anything, and you'll feel just fine. There is always police and guards on the street patrolling. Just be cautious with traffic.

I have my issues with China itself, but the friends I made in the program were some of the coolest people. I was very nervous coming here, but the people were awesome. Chinese nature and scenery is gorgeous once you get out of the city, and it has some of the prettiest places I have ever seen.

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

I lived off of about $70 a week. The beginning you're going to spend more money on just getting settled in; room items, metro card, meal card. However, it gets easier after a while. Make sure you set a max amount you're willing to spend and budget from there. Food is cheap if you're willing to not eat expensive meals. \

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

Living in the city, its hard to not use the language. Even if its just quick chats with a waiter, you have to use it at some point.

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• Dorm

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• Americans

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• Americans

• The People
• The Language
• The Travel

• Room cleanliness
• Class options

The Academic or Linguist