I got what I wanted out of this program! Past Review
By A student (Barnard College) - abroad from 02/12/2014 to 06/02/2014 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Beijing
I think that the most important lesson I learned was the importance of being confident and unafraid to reach out even if you know you may make a mistake. For the most part, people are very willing to chat and help you out.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not only did the immersion aspect of the program make my Chinese improve, but I was also able to learn a lot about Chinese culture and the way I study the language has changed because of the program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
If you need something from this program, they are more than happy to seek it out for you and provide you with resources. It really is what you make of it. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Because of the immersion style aspect of it, it is hard to get t know people outside of the program. You must really actively reach out in order to get to know Chinese students who are not the roommates in the program, but it proved to get easier as the program went on. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
The conversion works in the favor of american students. I |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | In general, there are a lot of ways to eat in China without having to go to a restaurant. Don't be afraid to try some of the smaller restaurants, they usually have the best food anyway! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
This was an immersion program! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Readings in Modern 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? | Emphasizing the tones will help you provide a good foundation for advancing your level. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that I didn't have to be as nervous all the time! |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
