Worked really hard, but had fun too... Past Review
By Allison C (Chinese Language and Literature., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/10/2014 to 08/11/2014 with
CET Beijing
It was worthwhile, I really improved my language skills.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This program is extremely challenging (especially over the summer-- I hear the fall/spring are a bit more relaxed). Be prepared to learn a new lesson every day, study about 5 hours a day, attend class for 4 hours a day, and take a two part test every week. Not to mention a strict language pledge. I learned a lot and enjoyed it, but it was still so exhausting. |
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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? |
Pretty satisfied, but sometimes cultural differences make living with a Chinese roommate difficult. |
| * Food: |
I went off campus a lot to eat, but most food is really cheap in China. You can eat out every day and still not spend much money. |
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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: |
Beijing is incredibly safe, I never felt unsafe at all during my trip (even when out late at night). |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Very little-- food is cheap, entertainment is cheap, and clothing is also cheap. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat at the western restaurants often (including fast food places), they're more expensive than they are in the states and much more expensive than the other options in Beijing. |
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 |
There is a strict language pledge, so unless you want to get a warning and eventually kicked out you have to speak Chinese. |
| 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? | Intermediate Conversational 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? | Make flashcards using an online program like memrise.com, and talk with your roommate. |
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? | How difficult/exhausting it was going to be. |
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! |
