Blonde Buddha

From getting strep on my first day, to an ATM stealing my card within the first week, and finally (the icing on the cake) my flights being cancelled on the day I’m suppose to leave. It was quite an experience. Despite this, the IES staff had my back through all of it, and this experience (even with what seemed like disasters) was amazing. Not only did the staff bring me to the hospital, pay for me when I was money-less, and help figure out my flight situation, but they also give me unconditional support in advancing my Mandarin and as a first time foreigner in China.
I was nervous about doing a language intensive because my Chinese was definitely not up to the casual conversation standards, let alone survival standards. The everyday classes, tutoring, and language pledge fixed that up quickly. Especially the language pledge, my all time favorite challenge. Finally, my Chinese was getting the attention it needed to succeed. My teacher even got me an internship and a kid tutoring so I could practice my Chinese and communication skills in a real-time environment.
My time in Beijing was life changing, and I wish I stayed longer. The staff was incredibly helpful, the other students were diverse and amazing, and Beijing, a city bursting with students, was the best atmosphere for bettering one's Chinese. If you’re on the wall (Great Wall :P) debating whether or not to go study abroad. Always go.