Enjoy China and Make the Most of It. Past Review

By (Economic & Social History, The College of William and Mary) for

Peking University: Beijing - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My academic focus has always put an emphasis on East Asia and I feel well-equipped and determined to continue that focus. I felt well-prepared before going to China. The program took good care of me as I adjusted and learned cultural nuances. And, I had a good experience that unfortunately was too short.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The first difference is the textbook; it doesn't link in well with William & Mary's, so when I return I am going to have to decide between 202 and 302 after sitting through a few classes. I would have, if I stayed at William & Mary, definitely be in 202, but I could possibly be in 302 (or possibly qualified for 301 during the Spring semester). It's an odd position to be in. The grading system makes it hard to do poorly, though getting an A is still difficult - the grades don't transfer back anyway, but it might matter if you're applying to grad school or something like that. The teachers were all local Chinese people, all experienced and good at their jobs. Classes were in Chinese (I took 301) and the material was well structured by the instructors. I think Su Laoshi back at W&M is still the best Chinese teacher I've had in terms of seeing when I don't understand and finessing her drilling to make you practice, but I had Dong Laoshi at the program and felt that she did a good job challenging myself and the class. The workload is heavy but bearable. Overall, I don't think it's possible to have a bad experience - the goal is to prepare students to take the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (Chinese Level Test) and pass as fluent.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The only difficulty of the program itself were the number of students and the small space that we all used as a lounge. Hopefully, moving into the new History Department that is being built will solve that problem. Otherwise, the staff were well aware of American universities, most of the administration having received doctorates from American universities, others having studied in the US and all of the teachers having learned English under native English speakers. They were also well aware of Beijing and Chinese and American customs. The program is full of good go-to people.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I spent most of my time with a Chinese friend who was a student at an American university and a student in the program, and he lived in another hotel so I didn't practice Chinese with the people in my dorm. His building had both a washer and dryer, which was convenient (most Chinese dorms only have washers), and internet was less of a problem at his place, though there were always hotspots at my original dorm. Otherwise, the dorms that I lived in weren't a terrible hassle; I brought an air-mattress before coming, which was a terrific-buy. As for the city, Beijing is safe, fun and has every convenience you can think of. Unfortunately, a lot of students went out too often to party, and a lot of students got sick and spread their germs throughout the dorm. I would recommend being a little more balanced, avoiding street food (the same food costs a little more in a restaurant, and by a little more I mean less than a dollar). Hours at the cafeterias are early for Chinese students' schedules, but finding food isn't at all difficult off campus or in convenience stores on campus. Comfort- and Aesthetic-wise, Chinese dorms aren't five star - a 2.5 at best; but, in terms of safety and being provided for, Beijing is one of the safest cities in the world and, if you make smart decisions, getting by is not a hassle.

* Food:

I put some advice in the living section. Chinese food is a little greasier and oilier than I expected, and I have stomach problems that are sensitive to that issue. But, I never had any problems with the food. I always asked for non-spicy food and, even when we travelled to Sichuan, that wasn't a problem. Places to eat are common, fruit is sold in stands next to the Taiwan Pancake stand as well as on the other side next to the Milk Tea stand. Chinese food in China isn't at all like Chinese food in the US, but it's very good, doesn't take too long to adjust to and shouldn't become a problem. Just adding, there are restaurants all over the city and a good row of restaurants out the Northwest gate around the KFC. Be careful of quality when you go to smaller places and take care of yourself. Chinese food definitely added to my experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is a long evaluation. Okay, we saw shaolin monks throwing darts and breaking spears with their bear chest. My class met a calligrapher and many musicians performing on traditional instruments such as the erhu and guzheng. Everyone improved their haggling skills on the local shops across China. We had dinner as a class. Some students went to see Chinese doctors practicing traditional medicine. A class went to try Chinese massages (from a reputable place of course). Some students went to see the Forbidden City. Many students went to the Great Wall - for me, I went twice and met some new friends from another university that came along on our trip, and they were graduate students in a teaching program at Beijing Language and Cultural, where most teachers come from, so they actually helped tutor me on the weekends. Oh right, and we saw pandas eating, rolling around, and even baby pandas being fed.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Beijing is a safe city. It's always smart to travel alone, especially later in the day. Also, watch how much you drink, you don't want people to take advantage of you. Be aware that real taxis are the yellow ones, not the black ones, and the rates are not adjustable. People got sick either from the weather, trying to adjust to food quickly, eating street food which is of varying quality, and simply not taking care of yourself. You are, I think, more independent in this program than at William & Mary and you need to better distinguish between reputable and otherwise places. Also, the air in Beijing is a nuisance to everyone. If you're staying for a long time, it may be worth it to buy a mask; they're common in major cities and more commonly used in China than the US.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Most places in China are much cheaper than in the US, though you will probably buy a lot more and want to go to nicer places every once in a while just for the experience. Be prepared to sometimes pay American prices. I spent maybe 2000 Yuan a month, though sometimes more and sometimes less. Always plan a little extra buffer funds.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chinese 102
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

All the teachers, students and locals. Most people in China do not speak English, except at key jobs, so getting around isn't too difficult with a little Chinese. I found that I was practicing with everyone, from teachers to taxi drivers to people on the street. I found the environment encouraging and full of opportunities to practice and learn Chinese.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travelling
  • Life
  • Studies
* What could be improved?
  • More free time
  • Make Chinese friends, they make a world of difference
  • Classes have long hours
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is one of the few programs at Peking University to study Chinese language and culture. The professors are from the campus and the resources on campus are terrific. Don't assume anything before you go and just enjoy the experience.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Chinese Arts and Cultures

Course Department:
Instructor: Peng Feng
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class met once a week. There were weakly readings and an essay. The professor takes students to exhibits and brings exhibitioners to class, so, in short, it was fun. Peng Feng is a friendly person and comes well-prepared. I'd recommend this class to everyone.
Credit Transfer Issues: I don't know yet. I'm guessing that the credit will come in some way because students have taken the class before and recommended it to me.
Course Name/Rating:

Doing Business in China

Course Department:
Instructor: Ma Hua
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class also met once a week. There were regular readings with responses due the day before the class - fairly short readings and not necessarily long responses, just to see that you came prepared and to see what Professor Ma should cover. Grading was based on participation, the readings, and a final presentation. None of which were difficult. The class and professor are approachable. I'm not a business student so I don't know how it rates in terms of other business classes, but I learned a lot about the Chinese market, Chinese business history and general business tips.
Credit Transfer Issues: Once again, I do not know. I probably should have checked before signing up for the class, but students have taken this course in the past and come back with credit, so I'm not too concerned.