Why did you decide to study abroad with CSA at BLCU?
Lindsay: I had always wanted to go to China to learn Mandarin and had an opportunity for a break career wise so started to look on the internet and China Study Aboard was probably one of the first links to pop up! I sent off an enquiry and was delighted to have a nearly instant reply (considering I am 6 hours behind China).The reply was extremely friendly and helpful and I continued to be impressed by their attention to detail and useful information and also their patience with my endless stream of questions. Also they arranged all the paperwork needed for my visa, registration at BLCU, registration with the police on arrival etc. I first went to China September to December 2011 for 12 week BLCU program and enjoyed it so much that I returned in March 2012 for another 12 week program.
What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Lindsay: I found that the China Study Aboard staff lived up to and exceeded the first impressions by email, I was met at the airport and taken to my accommodation, immediately introduced to other students, given a cell phone with credit to get me going, various social and cultural events were arranged throughout the program, the staff were always available to chat if there were any problems or you just wanted to chat. Any issues with studying, accommodation, or even persons ones were given immediate attention. Obviously with some experience behind me my second trip is less problematic but knowing they are always available is very reassuring. I should point out that I am somewhat more mature than the majority of the students studying Chinese but the staff (and students) never made me feel that I was different.
BLCU program: Be warned! – the pace of the 12 week BLCU program is fast particularly if you are a beginner; it is really great if you have a photographic memory!!!!! The teaching is done primarily in Chinese but it is to encourage you to make the transition but the teachers are always willing to explain in English –if you ask!!
BLCU also has a number of cultural visits and events that they arrange during the program. The campus is small enough not to be overpowering and my experience with all levels of staff was very pleasant.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Lindsay: My interest in learning Mandarin (well at least beginning to learn!) was purely a personal goal, it has been an extremely rewarding experience and living in China has been a huge learning curve. I could not over emphasise how truly life changing the experience has been- living and studying in China has been one of the highlights of my experience so far. The opportunities to explore and actually see some of those amazing ancient buildings and gaining some insight into the depth of the history and culture of China is truly awesome...and then there is the food!!! My life has changed forever!
On a final note, today I'm off to Tibet for 10 days and the finale the trip is at Everest Base Camp!!!