The American girl who fell in love with the Chinese people and culture. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The student guides were incredibly kind and knowledgeable. They were very professional in their demeanor and kind. The outside guide that was hired and traveled around with us in Beijing was amazing. I learned a lot about the different places we went to, cultures and people that we visited being with our guide, than I would have being on my own.

On-site administration of your program

The few times that I met with the host country program administration, they were extremely kind and welcoming. What I did like and appreciate, was that I could tell that specific care and training had taken place in preparing our particular guides. From our student guides's model behavior, I could tell that they had received wonderful training, and had an accessible administration, because of their attentiveness to the other students who were on the trip.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotels that were selected were awesome. Each of the hotels were well maintained, clean, and i felt safe in the areas that we were in. I thought several times during my experience that when I do go back to China, that I want to go back and stay in those same hotels.

Our guides did a fantastic job in selecting different dishes that both gave me personally a chance to try new types of food that I normally would not. I found that I really enjoy Fish Soup, and I can say that I have tried and somewhat enjoy Frog Legs. Even though I personally have an allergy to Pork, our guides were very cognizant and made sure that if there was Pork in a dish, that I was made aware of it before hand, and other dishes were ordered so that everyone could enjoy the meal. I thoroughly enjoyed the cuisine in China, largely in thanks to our guides.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our guides did a great job in preparing us for each event and location we attended. I had a general idea of what to expect, each and every time that I got off the bus. If i observed something that I did not understand, our guides were very gracious in explaining that item or event to me in a way that not only helped me to understand what was going on, but also allowed me to expand my cultural understanding. There were a few situations that come to mind, where I wasn't certain what was going on. So I was able to ask the guides for an explanation, or clarification. They both were very kind in helping me to broaden my cultural understanding, and more importantly, create a deeper appreciation, love and understanding for the Chinese culture. My favorite culture interaction was at the Temple of Heaven. One of the guides and I became really good friends. She explained how the people who were likely to be at the Temple of Heaven would be people from more rural cities, and wouldn't have had a lot of exposure to Westerners. So I should expect people to want to take pictures with me. With her having prepared me for their mannerisms, and mode of communication ( because my attempts to speak Mandarin were that of a little child speaking Mandarin), allowed me to have an incredible, and memorable interaction with a mother and her adorable toddler who wanted to take pictures with me. It was a small interaction, but it meant a lot to me personally, and I attribute that memorable moment for me to the preparation I received from the guides.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The air quality during our trip to Beijing wasn't the best on some days. Our guides made sure that we had our masks, and frequently reminded us to use them. I personally caught a cold on the plane before we arrived in China, and our guides were very sweet in asking if I needed anything.

Our school made it very clear that we were to be in the buddy system at all times. That being said, there were a few moments where I personally hung out with the guides during some of the site visits. They made the experiences fun and memorable.

I became good friends with the student guides on our trip, and have maintained contact with them. I am planning on returning to China, and am wanting to go back and see more of the country with these incredible people. In all honesty it was largely due to the hard-work, dedication, and kindness of the guides that made the trip as memorable as it was. I had a good opinion of China before I went, but having experienced the culture and people for myself, I now have a deep love and respect.

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

The program is expensive, but for us the inflation in China is high so items were very affordable.

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

Our program went to China, and we were encouraged to learn several phrases before we went. While we were there we were highly encouraged to use the little Mandarin that we had learned. I personally learned a lot more Mandarin while I was there thanks to the guides that we had, who were very happy to help expand our Mandarin vocabulary. At the end of the program I felt very comfortable getting around the city without the guides, and being able to communicate my needs to other people I came into contact with in different shops.

Select all that apply

• Hotel

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• Americans
• Other

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• Americans

• The culture/sites we visited.
• Immersing myself in a new culture; namely trying different foods, music and way of doing things.
• Meeting new people and creating relationships with them.

• On the program's side? Nothing.

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer