Harbin - Climate is only nearly as intense as the Academics. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload is very intense, and the teaching methods are professional and refined to learn that chinese. Although it is very rare for teachers to give out a grade below a B, the courses are very demanding and require you to be on your game every day of the week.

On-site administration of your program

support was amazing, program size was perfect (around 20 students). The admins were very helpful and could get things done. although some things only the university has jurisdiction over, which can complicate things.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It depends on the person. the dorms are in the middle of campus and close to classes and all forms of entertainment. the dorm is huge and apart from the program participants, also had several hundred international students, which was a blast. living with a chinese roommate proved to be very helpful, but expect to change a lot of your habits and learn their way of living. The living conditions are a little raw, especially in winter, but nothing you cant get used to very fast.

food is great and mostly of the northeastern chinse/ korean variety. very satisfying. the several cantinas on campus provide a more convenient if not less tasty option. ask the teachers for recommendations, and GET OUT.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

very fun city, although it might be hard to get out because of the work load. I had a blast with foreigners and chinese a lot!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I feel the city is very very safe, although there is a degree of disagreement between the chinese and russians (and to a smaller extent, africans) in the city, which makes gathering places like bars ect a bit more dangerous than others. Although I feel much safer there than in places at home. The city is dirty and polluted, and I was frequently coughing up coal dust.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The language pledge makes it impossible to speak english, and english is rarely heard or spoken in the city. my language skills improved dramatically, from intermediate to a more fluent and natural way of speaking, with incredibly strong writing and reading skills. Expect lots of hard work, though. It can be very intimidating.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• International Students

Select all that apply

• Americans