I chose to study with Minds Abroad primarily because it provided unique travel opportunities to places where most other study abroad programs don’t go.
Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Bondy
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Matthew participated in Minds Abroad in June and July of 2012. He goes to high school in the Chicago area and is currently in his third year of studying Mandarin. He runs track, is a member of the debate team, and takes interest in international affairs.
Matthew participated in Minds Abroad in June and July of 2012. He goes to high school in the Chicago area and is currently in his third year of studying Mandarin. He runs track, is a member of the debate team, and takes interest in international affairs.
Why did you decide to study abroad with Minds Abroad?
What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
The scenery I encountered on the weekend excursions in Yunnan was breathtakingly beautiful. Living in Kunming, where foreigners are scarce, provides insight into a typical Chinese way of life while participants still have the opportunity to see the more famous scenes of Shanghai and Beijing.
In just four weeks, my Chinese improved significantly thanks to the rigorous one-on-one Chinese lessons I received. If you are a student of Mandarin, like me, my word of advice is this: decide the moment you arrive that you will not be afraid to practice with people in public! If you want your Chinese to improve, seize the opportunity to practice, and thoroughly enjoy each and every day you spend overseas with Minds Abroad.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Since I participated in Minds Abroad, I have decided that whatever my academic future will be, it will involve China. Choosing to spend the summer with Minds Abroad was one of the best decisions I have made.