Completely Immersed Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/10/2013 to 05/20/2013 with

The Beijing Center: Semester and Full Year Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There is really no way to truly explain how much i've learn from my experience in China. It was more than what i had expected from the program.

Review Photos

Loyola University of Chicago: Beijing - The Beijing Center Photo Loyola University of Chicago: Beijing - The Beijing Center Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Some classes could have been improved in terms of materials and professor's teaching methods. However, The Beijing Center's excursion program has taught me much of Chinese minorities and exposed me to different Chinese cultures.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Program Administrations are great. The Student Development office is always there when I needed something or help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not expect anything extravagance. Housing is just like how a dorm is supposed to feel.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50$

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

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? Intermediate Chinese
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? For learning Chinese, repetition is key. It is also useful to try your best to speak Chinese to people outside of your circle

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Yunnan Excursion
  • the people
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? nothing