Intensive Language, Intense Experiences Past Review
By Nicole C (Chinese Language, Literature, University of Massachusetts - Lowell) - abroad from 06/04/2015 to 08/01/2015 with
Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained independence and language. This program made me come out of my shell and try new things. It also helped my chinese improve immensely.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I am so happy with the education I received in Beijing with IES. I learned so much language that my Chinese improved so fast! And the language pledge helped as well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
THE FOOD! The food in a China is amazing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
As long as you spend money wisely and bring some savings with you, you'll be fine. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 100 a week unless I was buying gifts. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Look around when eating! Some places are SO cheap and right next to the place you spent 25 kuai at. Likewise when shopping, bargain bargain bargain! Don't be afraid. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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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 that eventually turned 24 hours a day on campus. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Chinese 2 |
| 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? | Use whatever you know and whatever you learn because people who hear you will help you correct it if you are wrong. It also helps you memorize if you use the language a lot! Follow the language pledge. Trust me, even though it's challenging, it's definitely worth it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I packed more shoes! I only brought three and some of mine broke...also I wish I was prepared for how much I studied a day. It's intensive language so you'll need to study a lot! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
