87 reviews
4.11 / 5 based on 87 reviews
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Mark v
Overall
I wish I had known...
Learn a few basic phrases before you go; when you get in a taxi at the airport..the driver will NOT speak English!
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
I recommend this university. Not only are you at a good university but also sharing Beijing with 13 million other inhabitants means that there is always plenty to do and see when not studying.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Going to a unique country like China is not only interesting but the difference in culture will broaden your mind.
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Academic
Course recommendations
Buy a good quality Chinese grammar book with explanations in your own language, the quality of books available in China are generally good but the English explanations are sometimes wrong and sometimes comical.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
The main bulk of the course content is on Characters, Grammar, Listening, Vocabulary and Reading skills. In order to succeed and do well verbally, it is imperative to make as many Chinese friends as possible as this is not the emphasis in the classroom.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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Languages
Language of instruction: Chinese
Was learning Chinese a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your Chinese?
My level before: Did not speak it
My level after: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
At the start it seemed like an impossible task, but the satisfaction of using more and more words each day and understanding the sometimes harsh Beijing dialect made it extremely rewarding. Communication was imperative as hardly any people in Beijing or at university speak English, so you have to learn; fast.
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Expenses
Main source of funding:
Personal savings
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience
Personal spending habits
Generally, everything is much cheaper than at home, and the purchase of a bike saved costs further
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Food, Telephone, Housing, Nightlife, Travel, Overall:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Financial surprise: Small household electronics eg kettles, toasters are more expensive in China than at home; despite being manufactured in China.
Cost-saving: A Bike, A bank that doesn't charge for withdrawals abroad.
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Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - My choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
On Campus housing is very expensive and restrictive. If you live off campus it is not only cheaper (convenient bike/bus/taxi Y10), but you can rent out any extra rooms and have your own lounge/bathroom/kitchen etc rather than just a room with shared facilities on campus. Halfway through the first term of a Mandarin course you learn the appropriate vocabulary to enable you to arrange an apartment yourself!
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Personal comments
Overpriced. Many people move in at the start and then look for their own housing before the first term is over; plenty available. The only people who tend to stay on campus throughout the year are those who are on a scholarship and therefore get it free, or, those who like the 2 mins walk to lecture in the morning.
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Mark v
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Nightlife, Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
The Great Wall and Jasmine Tea in Longtan Park!
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