Program Reviews

Beijing is a strange place and unlike anything I've ever encountered before. The people can seem rash and brawly, the traffic chaotic and the food... Well, weird. Not a wonderland at first glance. Despite these differences I'm so happy I went here. When you learn to know the ins and outs of this city it truly is wonderful - a diamond in the rough, that will surely rival that of London or New York in the coming decades.

While the school itself is small (occupying only the top floor of a skyscraper), it feels cozy and friendly. The classes are solid, with experienced teachers always there to help. You'll improve in no time - this coming from someone who was a complete beginner at arrival. Every week there's also a lot of activities where you can either practice your Chinese or just hang out with your classmates.

Thanks to EF the preparation for this AY was a breeze. No worrying about everyday problems either! The on-site staff are always willing to help when you're in a pinch. Changing living space, getting a Chinese SIM card, informing me where the best bars and restaurants are located - everything done in a flash and with a big smile. Thank you EF, for this opportunity!

I came to Beijing not knowing anyone in china and without being able to speak more than a few words, but quickly found not only people I consider to be my close friends but also people that have grown to become my family. If I have to say something that is incredibly good with ef in Beijing and ef over all, it is that it knows exactly how to organize people to quickly get to know each other and become friends which is something that I find very important and which has served to make the experience here in Beijing extraordinary.

Another thing that sets ef Beijing apart from the others is that it really allows you to get the result you want. If you want to come to Beijing and get a plentiful social life and do new things every day, then that is very possible. If you want to devote yourself to study and improve your Chinese quickly then that is equally possible. Ef becomes exactly what you want it to be, and I have seen people who have had the time of their lives here, and people who had left being able to speak Chinese almost fluently. Ef gives their students the freedom to do both, and in my eyes it is something that is extremely good, especially if you are like me and like to combine both having fun and meeting friends as well as studying. It can be something negative though, for the people who don't have the energy to study on their own or take responsibility for their own studies, and instead might blame the school for it. The teachers here also encourage you to pass exam and take hsk test which is also great for learning.
For me, my year here has been incredible. I have had a great host family and had a great roommate that I became close to, but if I have to say something negative it is that the people here come and go and that the host family (which I've heard are also mostly super nice) also depend a bit on the circumstances. Some have had amazing hosts and others not so much.

If you are considering going to Beijing to study Chinese and get to experience Chinese culture then my advice to you is this: do it. But make sure you come here with an open mind and a positive mindset, because whether you will get something amazing out of this experience is entirely up to you at the end of the day. :) For me it has been amazing, and I think coming here might just have been the greatest choice I've done yet.

I'm very happy to join EF Beijing , I have a lot of fun in my new experience with my new friends from around the world. There are so many things that I've never seen in my life , but I have an opportunity to see it especially foods , and people. They are so kind to me especially my host family , they help me to get used to Chinese culture , people , and even my studied. I'm very enjoy my life in china , and I still expect to see more in china

After I graduated high school, I decided to come to Beijing in China with EF. I really don't regret this decision. Beijing is the perfect place to spend a gap year. Life there is really cheap and the clubs are free for the foreigners so that's perfect for students.

The Chinese culture is really different from the European culture and it's great to change horizons. The people there are really polite and respectful.

The EF staff is always here for you if you need anything and they help you as much as they can.

The Chinese language is really important in the world today. I know that it looks really hard to learn but the EF teachers follow you at all times and respect your learning speed.

To conclude, I would say that this was the greatest experience of my life, and it would be a shame not to try.

We all know China is a big deal. It is so different from every other country, and the language is a challenge. The good thing about EF Beijing is that they will do whatever they can to make you feel like home. Thy often move things so you feel more comfortable. EF is a great experience, and you shouldn't hesitate to book the trip with them if you are looking for a gap year. Also, Beijing has a lot of fun. Go to night clubs and have some fun!

For the past 10 weeks I have been studying the Italian language course at EF Roma -- definitely one of the best decisions of my life! After graduating from university I wanted to do something different for a little while before starting in the big bad scary world of working life, and as the Italian language has always intrigued me doing a language course to me felt like the best option.

I signed up at EF after a recommendation of a friend, and it has most definitely been an truly unforgettable experience, one I wouldn't want to have missed for the world.

In only 10 short weeks I learned all the basics of the language, and was able to speak, listen, write and read at a decent level, pretty impressive since I didn't speak a word before coming to Italy. All of this is thanks to the amazing staff at EF who patiently and clearly explain everything and convince you that you're able to speak much more than you think.

But to me the school was more than just a place to learn and study: it was the epicentre of social activities organised by school, but also a great way to meet new friends from all over the world.

I for one have definitely made lots of memories I will never forget and friends I will always stay in touch with.

Perhaps it seems a little intense to leave your home for a place you're unfamiliar with, especially when it is for a longer period of time. But with EF Rome there's a warm, welcoming environment waiting for you on the other side. There's so many nice things to say that I can't even decide what to say except from just go there and see for yourself :)

I stayed in Nice France for the summer and it was the best experience of my life. I made so many friends, experienced so many different things, became independent, and became really good at French. The staff and school were extremely nice, the local people were very nice and willing to be speak French. EF is by far the best program and company to go on a trip with from start to finish their service was wonderful

This is an amazing program! I came to Paris without knowing any French and through this program I have learned so much. I am staying at the residence and it is a great location and has very nice rooms. EF has many activities to learn more about French culture and to meet other students. The staff and the teachers are very helpful and they make you feel at home even when you are far away. I highly recommend this because it is a great experience for cultural and personal growth!

TRANSLATION:

I went twice to Rome to learn Italian at the EF school, the first time in August 2014 for a month and the following year from summer 2015 for another eight months. It was one of the best experiences of my life. During my stays in Rome I was able to meet exceptional people from all over the world and I learned many things, not just Italian. As I learned Italian from exceptional teachers, my Italian improved even more. As I learned it from them, I was very happy. And I especially learned gratitude because many people helped me. After school or weekends, I was able to make many deep friendships by participating in some activities.

Now I'm studying painting in the Academy of Fine Arts in Perugia. The experience that I bought in Rome for me is very significant because it was an important step towards my dream that is to paint happy in Italy. That's why I'm grateful. Sometimes I miss this sweet period of Rome so much !!

ORIGINAL:
Sono andata due volte a Roma per imparare l'italiano alla scuola EF, la prima volta nell'agosto 2014 per un mese e l'anno seguente dall'estate 2015 per altri otto mesi. È stata una delle esperienze più belle della mia vita. Durante i miei soggiorni a Roma ho potuto conoscere persone eccezionali provenienti da tutto il mondo e ho imparato tante cose, non solo l'italiano. Siccome ho imparato l'italiano dagli insegnanti eccezionali, il mio italiano migliorava sempre di più. Mentre lo imparavo da loro, ero molto felice. E ho imparato soprattutto la gratitudine perché molte persone mi hanno aiutato. Dopo la scuola oppure il fine settimana participando qualche attività ho potuto fare molte amicizie profonde.

Adesso sto studiando pittura in Accademia di Belle Arti di Perugia. L'esperienza che ho acquistato a Roma per me è molto significativo perché era un passo importante verso il mio sogno che è quello di dipingere felice in Italia. Per questo ne sono grata. A volte mi manca tanto questo dolce periodo di Roma!!

TRANSLATION:

I went twice to Rome to learn Italian at the EF school, the first time in August 2014 for a month and a year from summer 2015 for another eight months. It was one of the best experiences of my life. During my stay in Rome I have known exceptional people from all over the world and I have learned so many things, not just the Italian. Since I have learned Italian by outstanding teachers, my Italian improved more and more. While I was learning from them, I was very happy. And I learned above all the gratitude that many people have helped me. After school or on weekends, I made deep friendships through extra activities.

Now I'm studying painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Perugia. The experience I acquired in Rome for me is very significant because it was an important step towards my dream is to paint and be happy in Italy. For this I am grateful. Sometimes I miss so much this sweet period of Rome!!

In only two weeks, I spent so much great times in this beautiful city ! You meet some new people everyday from all over the world. The staff will do everything for you to be comfortable in the school, your class, and your accommodation !

One thing I really appreciated is that I felt independent during my free time. I loved spending time during school's activities and also losing myself in the streets of Rome, it's a beautiful way to discover the city :) ! I also loved the school's activities because they're not just about visiting the most famous places. The staff will make you discover a part of Rome that you didn't know, and mostly unknown to tourists.

If you still hesitate, just... don't ! Go ahead ! You have the opportunity to study in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and this school is perfect to learn you the Italian language and culture ! Just prepare your stomach... you'll eat.. a lot !