Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Chinese Internship and Language program in China through GAC Past Review

By (Aston University) - abroad from 02/20/2017 to 04/05/2017 with

Go Abroad China : Internship in China Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more confidence, my internship enabled me gain more skills and experience in my career field, IT.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My overall experience of the program was great. The whole process was straightforward. I applied, got an interview with the company and began to travel to Beijing. I was so excited when I arrived in Beijing, someone was already there to pick me up and I was driven to my accommodation. I enjoyed my classes, my internship company was fully supportive I made a lot of friends and got a great recommendation letter when I finished my program. I cant forget the great trips I went on during the weekend, I wish I took more photots.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Anytime I had an issue, which was rarely, I would call Nadia from GAC and she'd assist me and provide support when I needed. During my application process, they guided me through my application, providing all the details and documents I needed to apply for my visa and I was able to get my visa on time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a shared student accommodation about 20mins from my university and internship company. There was a heater in our room which was really great as the weather was piercing cold when I was in China. The accommodation had everything I needed and I made great friends with the students at the accommodation.

* Food:

There was so much food!! and cheap too. Id often visit the cafeteria at the Walmart shopping mall close to my accommodation and had a selection of chinese delicacies to choose from.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The GAC weekly activities enabled me gain more understanding about China and its culture. I practised tea making and the formalities involved in preparing and serving tea the china way. During these lessons, we would be told stories by the presenter about the chinese history and practises. I felt more part of the culture as I learnt and practised my chinese language.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Due to the piercing cold I experienced in China, I was in need of some medicine, once i called GAC, they snet Tony, who was kind enough to lead me to the nearest pharmacy, talk to the nurse and I received a supplement that was really helpful for the cold.

* Safety:

Overall i felt safe during my stay in China. My accommodation was safe as a student accommodation we had security guards at the gate. I never felt unsafe and since I could call GAC at anytime to assist with any issues i had, the program was comfortable for me.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved my experience in China. I really wish i could do it again especially doing more travelling in China.

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)

Since i was getting paid at my internship, food was really cheap too I was able to live comfortable on my budget while in China

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

I studied at BLCU and our teachers would always support and help us whenever we practised our speaking chinese language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Listen and try singing chinese songs. They are catchy and you'd be able to pronounce the chinese words better

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

  • International Students
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?
  • The Trips
  • The Classes
  • My friends
* What could be improved?
  • More trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before i left for China, based on the chinese movies i had watched, i assumed China was an underdeveloped country. Trust me, its not.

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 Urbanite
A 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.