A Life Changing Experience Past Review

By (Mandarin, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/01/2015 to 08/01/2015 with

Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to concentrate, I learned about mainland Chinese culture, but most importantly I learned about myself.

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.

I learned more about Mandarin during my study abroad experience than I have in my entire time attending class in the United States.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The teachers themselves, and the student affairs coordinator were grand. The staff were always on point. However, the administration had coordination issues that even the students were aware of.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were fantastic, no complaints.

* Food:

While living in China I took every opportunity to try every kind of food I could find. No regrets.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program was spectacular in assisting me, the student affairs coordinator himself accompanied me to the hospital.

* 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)

Food in China is much cheaper than stateside.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly 150 kuai, or 15 dollars.

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 no choice. Between the language pledge and the incredible teachers, you had to speak in Chinese.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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 semester of second year Chinese
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? Talk. Use the language at every possible opportunity.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The teachers
  • Friends
  • Language
* What could be improved?
  • Coordination
  • Sleep
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more Chinese so that I could have learned even more.

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!