The Beijing Center made is really easy for me to study abroad. Since my university has a relationship with the program I was able to spend two semesters abroad and still graduate on time.
I was drawn to the program for its mix of travel and academics. I didn't want to do a typical European study abroad; I knew that living in China would push me outside of my comfort zone and force me to grow as a person.
The item I most frequently return to from my time is China is a copy of 1984 that I bought from an illegal book vendor in Beijing. Reading a banned book in an authoritarian country was an odd experience, and I connected with Orwell on a whole new level after exploring his works in this context.
I pushed myself academically while studying abroad. I sought out the more rigorous classes the Beijing Center had to offer, and I am glad I did. Studying China while living in Beijing was an extraordinary opportunity, one that I will forever be grateful for. I made a few amazing friendships with my classmates, and I'm lucky to keep in touch with the to this day.
What would be the point of living if we didn't let life change us? I don't think anyone could live in a foreign country for several months and not be changed. Living in China shaped my perspective on the world, and this new outlook affects my life on a daily basis.
Keep a blog! While studying abroad I used my blog to keep my friends and family up to date with where I was and what I was learning. Since I've returned it has become a useful tool in interviews and to look and reflect upon my time abroad.