Studying in Beijing Really Did Change My Life, and I'll Never Forget It Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The focus was heavily on language, and we worked hard to keep up with the homework load and in-class demands—work that wasn't painful but helpful in increasing our language abilities. The teachers pushed us while keeping things fun, and we learned a lot of practical, applicable vocabulary. Unlike in the US, we spent three hours every weekday morning in language class, while two days out of the week we had two-and-a-half-hour afternoon classes in English (focusing on sociology, foreign policy, etc.). It was fantastic!

On-site administration of your program

Han Bing. What more needs to be said? He got us everything we needed by guiding us and teaching us how to do things rather than just doing them for us. Really nothing else to say, really. The whole system was great.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All good.

Great food everywhere in close proximity, and cheap!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We actually had an arranged trip to Yunnan, which was amazing (led by our program director). We also took a long weekend trip to Tai Shan in Shandong province and again, our program handled it all super well. Every weekend there was a cultural event led by our program director somewhere in the city, and I always felt like I was getting to know the country/city better and better.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No major problems. Insurance covered us well for any trips to the (English-speaking) hospital. No issues with safety being threatened.

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

We practiced every morning in class, and we each had our own language partners with whom we met separately three times a week for an hour (at least) each time. We had to use Chinese in every day interaction all over the city, and we also practiced a lot with other students at the University. We spoke English as a break sometimes (after class), but we still tried to keep the Chinese going.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

• The people (admin., teachers, and friends)
• the language learning environment
• the many travel possibilities around the city and country (the immersion, essentially)

• Even more events to go to! (even though there are plenty)
• I can't think of too much!
• maybe a trip to the hospital as a group right away so everyone knows where it is, haha