Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really liked the program's emphasis on learning the Chinese language. That part of the academics was great. The classes were easy compared to those at Wellesley, but I believe that it's hard to find academics as challenging as those at Wellesley.

On-site administration of your program

Sometimes, the administration was not very clear about what they wanted. I would suggest that they create more emails to remind students throughout the semester rather than unload it all in an orientation at the very beginning. But they did emphasize the importance of education and those views correspond with my own.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Relatively nice compared to those local students. Only two per room (versus 5) and our own private bathroom (rather than a public one with squatters). They provide sheets, blankets, and towels. But the sheets are blindingly white, and if you get them dirty the facilities charge you for it. It's pretty comfortable with a very small fitness facility in the basement, as well as lounges just for TBC students for wireless internet. There is no wireless in the room (you can pay for it though), but there is an ethernet cord outlet. But this outlet only can go to local Chinese websites and cannot access things like Skype or yahoo. <br /><br /> If you enroll in the intensive Chinese, you can get a Chinese roommate. There you are supposed to speak only in Chinese to your roommate. I thought the facilities are clean and huge compared to the way local students live. So I gave it a high rating. On campus, the location is great located near the main gate to the school. It's about a 10 minute walk to class if you walk slow, but you can get there in 5. China in general is very safe, but UIBE is located a little far away from the center. But there is a good subway station a 15 minute walk away, and there are always taxis around. To go to an area with a lot of clubs and western food, it's about a 20 minute taxi ride that will cost about 25 kuai.

The on campus eating is sparse. There is a cafeteria, but you pay as you go, and the payment system is very confusing. The food is kinda bad, and for just a few kuai more, you can get better quality food off campus. I didn't eat on campus very often at all.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoyed getting to know a lot of the Chinese students who helped out in the program. Also, they really encouraged us to get out and travel and see new things around China. Our trips down the Silk Road, Guilin, Yunnan, and Sichuan were amazing experiences that I'll never forget.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health is a huge issue in China, especially Beijing. The air is dirty, and I got more sick in China that I've been in American for the past 5 years. Just take care in the wintertime and take care of yourself.

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

I suggest people should try to get out of just hanging out with Americans and go immerse yourself. The Chinese will be impressed if you look foreign that you can speak Chinese. People in Beijing are really friendly and are willing to help you, especially the younger people.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students
• Americans

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• Americans