Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Blonde Buddha Past Review

By (College of Charleston) - abroad from 06/03/2016 to 08/30/2016 with

IES Abroad: Beijing - Summer Language Intensive

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The main thing I took away from this experience is-- treat the people around you like you'll be with them forever, and treat yourself like there is always more to discover.

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.

IES Abroad provided me with countless support when it came to bettering my Chinese. Not only did we have classes every morning and tutoring everyday, but my teacher also hooked me up with an internship and tutoring gig where I could practice my Chinese in a real-time atmosphere.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Because I stayed in dorms our immediate on-site administration was our RAs. From taking me to the hospital, to figuring out flight details, to helping enforce the language pledge- these RAs were incredible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in a dorm was exactly what I wanted. I shared my room with the Chinese RA, and it was great getting to practice Chinese at all hours.

* Food:

Yum. So good. Beijing has the best food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

With the help of the RAs, and Chinese roommates we had a blast with the social life. The nightlife in Beijing is super fun, and theres a ton of foreigners from all over. It's still a city, so there wasn't as much of a culture shock in social situations. Lots of food, lots of dinner, lots of bars.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got strep the first day in China. Probably because my flight was delayed so much and I was super exhausted. My RA took me to the hospital there, and they gave me some typical Strep medication, my RA was super considerate in taking care of me. We went to a foreigner heavy hospital, and I was treated very quickly. Strep cleared up soon enough and I was good to go.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Beijing. I also really didn't go anywhere alone, either another student or an RA was always there to accompany me. We took care of each other. If we were out at night we'd call an uber before walking.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I'd choose a program that was longer than 2 months. 2 months was just enough time to get me hooked, and I want to experience more.

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 mean I survived without money for a week (ugh ATMS). It's definitely possible if you really commit to not spending a lot.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably 200 yuan
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you go out at night, don't bring a lot of money with you. It will absolutely be spent. Eat at the cafeteria whenever possible, and go to those floor meetings with free pizza.

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

The language pledge we were required to commit to was incredibly challenging and helpful. Don't be scared of it though, it's completely do able.

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? 102
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? Really commit to the language pledge, it was great for me.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Other Students & RAs
  • Train ride to Xi'An
  • Beijing
* What could be improved?
  • More trips around China
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing, any anticipation/fear/excitement I felt pushed me to experience all that I could experience from this trip. You just need to go, and figure it out there.

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.