A worthwhile experience that expands your global understanding. Past Review
By Kenneth H (Chinese Language, Literature, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/14/2017 to 08/13/2017 with
CET Beijing
Generally speaking, I learned how to speak Chinese, Chinese culture, Chinese student life, Chinese cuisine, and the Chinese life style.
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. |
It was very challenging but definitely worth the experience! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration there was very quick and supportive. Anytime I had an issue, the administration would come through and help me out. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Honestly, it was better than the living situation I have in the U.S. I literally felt there was nothing else I needed for a student. |
| * Food: |
Food was cheap and relatively convenient, this all depends on how sharp your taste is. If you honestly did not care about what food you'd be eating day to day, than you would have absolutely no problem finding something to eat, any hour of the day. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
If was obvious I was a foreigner, but the life style in Beijing was a very busy one, so it really didn't matter. Everyone had their own life to attend to. So I literally felt I had assimilated to the Beijing lifestyle. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It wasn't really a problem. I never actually got sick during my trip there. However, I did get a canker sore and made a visit to the nearby hospital. My roommate helped me through the process. It was quick and easy. I got the medicine I needed, and within a week, my canker sore was gone. |
| * Safety: |
It is so incredibly safe in that environment it is crazy. You literally don't have to worry at all. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I feel that if you want to learn a different culture, you should go and experience it at its true cultural level. |
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) |
I honestly didn't need much to eat well there. In the U.S. I grew up very poor so I was very accustomed to eating anything I could find. In China, the food was very cheap, so I had some ability to eat some very nice meals. Some meals so great that even only a few Chinese people in their lifetime ever get to eat. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent roughly $280 a week. I was eating very well and trying to experience as much as I could. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Honestly, I would just just look at the total amount of money you are willing to spend in Beijing while you are there and divide it by 9. If you are planning to buy gifts, I suggest you equate that and subtract that from the total amount you're willing to spend first. Finally, when you reach the end of your journey, you could either spend more on gifts for have a nice last meal. |
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 |
If you did not just speak Chinese, you would regret it. |
| 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? | Beginner - Intermediate |
| 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? | Spend time with individuals who are willing to speak Chinese all the time, you're have the best experience with them. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That setting up a Chinese back account can take a very long time. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Class 150 Beginner Intermidiate |
| Course Department: | Chinese Language |
| Instructor: | 董老师 |
| Instruction Language: | Chinese |
| Comments: | It was very challenging, if you hadn't put your best focus into learning Chinese, you would have a difficult time learning. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I've just completed the course and have not yet checked whether or not I have received credit. However, if other students need to know whether or not you have received credit, I believe the best way to check is to just directly email your course director. |
