Incredible Immersion Experience

IES Abroad Beijing (Contemporary Issues Program) was exactly what I was hoping for in a study abroad experience: a challenging and engaging academic program, plenty of opportunity for complete cultural immersion, and more than enough time to explore both Beijing and China in general. My Chinese improved tremendously because of the excellent staff at IES and also because I was placed in a home stay that could not speak English. The home stay was by far the best aspect of my time abroad, and I feel that I was matched perfectly with my host family. I loved the balance that the Contemporary Issues Program provided in terms of rigorous Chinese study combined with courses designed to deepen our understanding of modern Chinese government, international relations, literature, environmental issues, and more.