Although challenging in many ways, it was a phenomenal experience! Past Review

By (International Relations and History, The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 06/15/2012 to 08/11/2012 with

William and Mary: Beijing - Summer Program at Tsinghua University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My ability to use and understand Chinese improved immensely. I was able to dive into a new place, find my way around, and experience a new place independently.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: CHIN303 CHIN201 CHIN202
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.

* 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?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200-$300

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? CHIN102
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Small Group
  • Study Tour
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Time Management
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how fast time would fly by. Although we tried to fit as much as we could into the time given, I would have done even more and tried to practice Chinese even more.