Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once in a Lifetime Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., Arizona State University) - abroad from 05/23/2012 to 07/21/2012 with

Capital Normal University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a very meaningful experience for me. I was able to obtain an internship abroad and learned about the working environment in China. Moreover, I was able to connect with the locals and made lifelong friendships. I would highly recommend this for anyone interested in Chinese culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Colin, the program coordinator in Beijing, was very helpful in connecting students with internship opportunities according to students' request.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was well coordinated with weekly excursions and a trip to Shanghai. Additionally, the program coordinator in Beijing connected the students with many Chinese students. We were able to learn the culture of our host country through different perspectives.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in the dorm in Capital Normal University and the staff was very accommodating. They were very lenient with students bringing guests back.

* Food:

The food in Beijing is very expensive but there are lots of western and foreign varieties.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It is relatively easy to see a doctor and the fees were relatively cheap. However, most of the doctors in Beijing prescribe a hybrid of Chinese and Western medicine. If you are not used to Chinese medicine, I would advise you bringing your prescription or extra medicine that you might need. Moreover, the pollution is very bad so be aware that you will have to learn how to cope with that.

* 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? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would advise new participants to research on bank accounts or credit cards that would have favorable conversion rates in China. For example, I opened a bank account with Bank of America just for this trip because Bank of America has presence in China with another Chinese bank. My fees were lower than my friends' and he was banking with Wells Fargo.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Excursions to historical sites and to Shanghai
  • Lifelong friendship
  • Networking
* What could be improved?
  • Advisement on where to get food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew about the pollution in Beijing and the hot and humid weather in the summer. However, I believe that it all adds to the experience because it is part of the country that we cannot change. We just have to maximize our experience by looking past the flaws.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.