Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Opportunity to See, Experience, and Learn about China in a Comprehensive way Past Review

By (International Studies, Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 05/11/2015 with

The Beijing Center: Semester and Full Year Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A desire to continue leaning about China and to return to experience more of Chinese culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I believe this is more incumbent on me. Although I had the opportunity to observe local culture often, I never felt integrated with local culture although I wish I did. If it were possible-not my senior year next year-I would want to return for another semester in Beijing, and I would want to do the home stay.

* 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? $15
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be frugal if possible when traveling on breaks, but most importantly try to avoid the expensive, but tempting, imported products.

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? 101
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? Speak the language with whoever you meet and with all your friends (native speakers), and don't worry about how you sound.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My Chinese roommate
  • My professors, language and others
  • The Yunnan excursion
* What could be improved?
  • More access to student activities at UIBE (host university)
  • More opportunities to be involved at UIBE if possible
  • More of a balance between cultural immersion and coursework
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Meet new people, actually do it!

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 Linguist
You 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!