A good program that needs a bit of work. Past Review

By A student (Chinese Language and Culture, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/01/2013 to 05/10/2013 with

Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

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

I learned a lot about myself and how I handle different situations in very different places. I would probably go with a program more oriented towards what I was looking for but overall my trip to China was awesome and I would definitely do it again...just a little different.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	It was a very rigorous program that challenges everyone of all levels. Unfortunately, it can leave those coming with a different mindset and different goals, extremely overwhelmed and unprepared for what is to come.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Overall everything was rather well organized but also felt rather closed off to those trying to seek help with other issues.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	On the China scale, it was good housing but overall, it was pretty dirty living arrangements (like whole mosquitoes squished, still on the wall). On the positive end, most everything was located on site like washers and kitchens.
* Food:	1 star because of the lack of any food options given by the program. You are left to pay for all your own food during your time in China. There are no on site food options offered by the program.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Rated highly because I took the time to get myself out there and talk to the locals. Otherwise, the program arranged little to incorporate local life into the program if you stay in the dorms.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	The hospital was quite nice that we were sent to but extremely far from program building. Seemed like they would just send you on to the hospital in order to not really deal with health issues.I would suggest bringing your own small first aid kit of some sort in order to handle small things yourself.
* Safety:	It is almost difficult to feel unsafe in China. Use your brain, don't do anything out of the ordinary, and you'll be fine.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

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)	Beijing is definitely not the cheapest place in the world and the lack of food plan through the program doesn't help keep costs down. Overall though, it is very manageable as long as you don't look to eat at 5 star restaurants all the time.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Keep track of what you spend and watch your money when you go out...getting a 300kuai bill at the end of the night is not fun for anyone who isn't ready to drop that kind of money.

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	They had a language pledge and everything. They pushed language use hard and it was very beneficial.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Intermediate
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?	First half of Fourth level.
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?	Use it as much as possible with locals. That's the key to really getting better fast.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The RA's were awesome Language curriculum Beijing location
* What could be improved?	Staff (other than RA's) readiness to handle impromptu situations Building interior The other classes that are required
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Pack light....very light. Oh and come with an open mind. If you're too set in your ways, you're time in China could be very disappointing...and don't change yourself to suit others. Change you for you (if you even change at all).

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 Avid Adventurer The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Leadership across Cultures
Course Department:	Business
Instructor:	Eberhardt
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was not challenging and was in no way, shape, or form a business class. Extremely disappointing and left me rather angry I had to spend that time taking a class that I had absolutely zero interest in. It also was in essentially no way related to business.
Credit Transfer Issues:	None as of yet.