Intensive Language study in Beijing Past Review
By Sarina T (Art History and East Asian Studies, Wellesley College) for
CET Beijing
Definitely. My chinese improved so much, as did my understanding of the country.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Beijing Institute of Education |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Fair grading system, manageable work load. Classes started early but afternoons were mostly free. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CET staff on this program was amazing. They were extremely friendly, helpful and efficient. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood is pretty busy and very "authentic Beijing". Definitely very safe and a TON of delicious options for street food. CET provides sheets but students had to purchase cooking and dining utensils. The kitchen is definitely less than adequate but the bathrooms are decent and the rooms are relatively large, comfortable and air conditioned. |
| * Food: |
Street food in the area is cheap and great. CET provides lunches which are not bad either. Lots of choices. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
CET organizes at least one cultural event weekly that ranges from cheesy to interesting. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? | about $20 if you only eat locally |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is very useful to have a Bank of America ATM card as you can take money out from China Construction Bank without any fees. Make sure to make copies of all important documents. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced Intermediate Mandarin (206-207) |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Roommates, other american students, teachers, locals (campus is in a VERY local/non westernized part of the city). As we had a language pledge we did not speak english. |
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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