Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Intensive Language and Cultural Immersion Experience Past Review

By (Anthropology, University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 05/09/2015 with

Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an in-depth, on-the-ground experience in a country I had long studied. I improved my language skills exponentially and got to enjoy a major world city right at my fingertips. It was definitely worthwhile!

Review Photos

Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $15-30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy your own food to make at grocery stores and fresh markets rather than eating out all the time. When you do eat out, make sure to try to hole in the wall 6-10 kuai places rather than opting for the more expensive places.

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

There was a mandatory language pledge, so we had a 24hr/day commitment for most of the semester, and those of us in staying in home-stays were on a much more stringent schedule as most of our families didn't speak any English at all.

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? Second year, first semester Chinese level.
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? Talk with everyone, and try to live in a homestay if you can. Ask for direction in Chinese, and approach people for information since they will both know better than you and also you'll pick up vocab along the way. Watch Chinese TV, even if you don't understand it; because Chinese is a tonal language, getting maximum exposure to the natural speaking of it is super helpful even subconsciously.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Language teachers and partners
  • My host parents!
  • Being so close to city life and culture
* What could be improved?
  • I truly cannot think of anything
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now how little it takes to just be brave and step out into the world where you are not the native and ask for what you need. I wish I would have been more confident with my language ability from day one rather than hoping everything would be perfect before I took a risk.

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 Linguist
You 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!