Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Beijing: An Amazing Experience Abroad Past Review

By (Wofford College) - abroad from 01/15/2016 to 05/06/2016 with

Beijing Foreign Studies University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Chinese skills and I gained a greater sense of confidence in my abilities. I also gained a better appreciation for Chinese culture. It was definitely a worthwhile semester!

Review Photos

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

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.

* 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

The IES program offered great academics, support, and extracurricular opportunities. The staff were friendly and helpful, the classes were small and interesting, and the overall environment was welcoming.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Many of the restaurants around the university are priced for college students, while restaurants even a subway stop away may be more expensive. The food is still fairly cheap compared to prices in the US.

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

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? Low Advanced
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? The language pledge is extremely helpful- stick to it! Also, strike up conversations with local students or storeowners- this is fairly easy to do in Beijing.

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
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?
  • Independent travel weekends
  • The language pledge
  • The community of students, staff, Chinese roommates, and resident advisors
* What could be improved?
  • Organization of one or two individual courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Time will fly- take advantage of every opportunity! Also, strike up conversations whenever you can. Everyone has a unique story about how they ended up in Beijing!

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!