I love Beijing and China, would love to visit again. February 05, 2024

By A student (Psychology, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/24/2023 to 12/10/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned that sometimes you just had to live in the moment. While abroad there are only so many things you can worry about; rather than worry just live in the moment of being abroad. It was worthwhile when I finally let go of things I couldn't control.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The academic rigor was just right; it wasn't too hard or too easy.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Everyone was very helpful in terms of courses and exploring the city of Beijing.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The rooms were pretty nice, but the showers need to be upgraded.
* Food:	The food was amazing. Dining hall food was cheap and eating out wasn't too expensive either.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I 100% felt integrated with the local culture.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I luckily didn't have any experience with healthcare, but it seemed pretty simple.
* Safety:	China is so safe. I feel safe even going out at night. There were security guards available in sight if I ever got lost or needed help with directions.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes I had an excellent experience, my only regret was how fast everything came to an end.

Finances

* 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)	In terms of USD, I'd probably spend less than $100 each week if I didn't do anything too excess when going out.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$50 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Don't save money, you are only there for the limit amount of time. Spend when needed and save on aspects when needed.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language	We had a language pledge to only speak that language for 3 months.
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?	Chinese 302
How many hours per day did you use the language?	10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Just do it. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, everyone is there to learn. The more you speak, the better you get.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	International Students
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?	Food Culture Transportation
* What could be improved?	Orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That China relies on Wechat and Alipay alot.

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 Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Experience Beijing
Course Department:	Chinese
Instructor:	Du Bing Xiao
Instruction Language:	Mandarin
Comments:	It wasn't too challenging, It made use of the location of Beijing and offered relevant field trips each week. The teacher was knowledgable and well-prepared. I participated more often than I would at Midd.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No