Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was the best experience of my life! Past Review

By (Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 08/12/2013 to 05/17/2014 with

The Beijing Center: Semester and Full Year Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Do not be afraid and enjoy the ride. I loved 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.

The professors were experts in their fields. The one negative was that the time spent in the classroom was not used efficiently.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was rather small and overpriced.

* Food:

Restaurants around UIBE were very cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My Chinese tutor and friends were kind to assist me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Beijing is the most safest city I have ever been to. I could walk around at night and nothing bad happened.

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)

It depends on how often you use taxi or go out to Western restaurants. Otherwise, the public transportation and Chinese restaurants were very cheap.

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

My Chinese language professor pushed me to use Chinese more than English. I tried to communicate with others in Chinese.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Do not be afraid to talk to locals. Have no fear of making mistakes. As long you are trying, you are good to go.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Chinese language course
  • Chinese tutors and roommates
  • Making new friends
* What could be improved?
  • Price of dorm should not be so high
  • Transcripts should be sent faster
  • Faster Wifi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To set-up a VPN before coming to China.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.