
Catherine Smith
Go Abroad China Ltd.
AlumniI have always been fascinated by different cultures, and China’s rich history and language intrigued me.
Read Full Interview

CIEE College Study Abroad
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China’s vibrant capital city, Beijing, is filled with ancient history and remarkable historic sites, creating the perfect base to push your solid Mandarin skills to the next level. Advanced Chinese Studies is a program for students with junior or senior standing and with superior-level Chinese l
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Launch your global career with a paid internship at a Fortune 500, multinational, or high-growth startup in China — matched to your field, backed by 20+ years of placement expertise. Go Abroad China guarantees access to 2,000+ positions across 20+ sectors in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and six othe
See All 8 ProgramsLTL Language School
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LTL Language School is a perfect fit for students looking to improve their Mandarin quickly. Our comprehensive Chinese programs allow students maximum flexibility. You can study at LTL for a week up to a full year. We offer Mandarin language lessons in 10 cities across Asia, including Beijing, Shan
LoPair Cultural Exchange
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Dream of living in China? Make it a reality with LoPair Au Pair China, an award-winning agency that connects you with a welcoming host family. Spend a transformative 3-12 months on a cultural adventure! You'll become a part of a Chinese family, assisting with educational childcare for up to 30 hour
See All 2 ProgramsMiddlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad
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Middlebury’s programs in Beijing and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, are designed to foster deep linguistic and cultural immersion, helping students rapidly advance their Chinese language skills. In Beijing, China’s dynamic capital, students live and study on the campus of Capital Normal University. In the coas
Apply for China
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Experience China while building your Mandarin skills through immersive university language programs designed for international students. Available for one semester or a full academic year, these programs offer a supportive pathway for learners at every stage. Through structured classes covering sp
See All 2 ProgramsLingoinn Teacher Homestay
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Learn Mandarin in China and Taiwan through an immersive learning experience combining personalised one-to-one lessons, a homestay with a Chinese teacher, authentic cultural exchange, and local experiences. By living with your Lingoinn teacher and their family, you’ll go beyond the classroom and pra
See All 6 ProgramsInternational TEFL and TESOL
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In this 180-hour online TEFL course, apply what you’ve learned through 20 hours of online teaching practice with real students. The placement is at our partner school, “Top Online Teachers”. You will receive full training and videos to help make you feel confident before starting to teach actual stu
See All 2 ProgramsNon-Profit Study Abroad (NPSA)
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Grab the opportunity to study at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), one of the leading universities in China. This non-profit, low-cost study abroad program enables you to enroll directly in courses that range from economics to Chinese language and culture. BFSU also offers a wide selection
As an international city, the list of subjects you can study in Beijing is virtually endless. Most international students that choose to study abroad in Beijing end up studying at local universities, either directly or specially enhanced by third-party study abroad program providers. In addition, U.S. based universities often arrange their own faculty-led study abroad programs in Beijing.
That being said, there are some areas of study that are more emphasized than others. Naturally, there are a great deal of courses offered in Chinese and Asian studies, both of which come with plenty of opportunities to practice what you learn or take your learning outside the classroom. Since Beijing is the heart of over 3,000 years of Chinese history, there is no shortage of history classes to dust off your dynasties.
For those inclined to think more about the present state of the world, there are study abroad programs in Beijing focused on business, economics, and international policy and diplomacy. Not only does study abroad in Beijing offer students the latest technological advancements and the freshest perspectives, it also provides plenty of opportunities for networking and research.
Most large universities in Beijing operate in a similar fashion to Western schools, especially if you choose a study abroad program arranged through your home university. Classes will likely be organized into terms or semesters, though their are some short-term opportunities to study in Beijing, including winter and spring break options. China has distinct seasons, so when it comes to picking a time of year to study abroad in Beijing, ask yourself which season you’d like to experience in China. Cold winters will make a hot cup of green tea your BFF, dusty springs persist thanks to the nearby Gobi Desert, golden summers make the red color of the traditional buildings pop, and delightful autumn brings moon cakes and falling leaves.
One last consideration before you decide how to study in Beijing: unless you enroll in a Chinese program directly, it is likely classes will be taught, at least partially, in English; so, if you’re not a pro at Mandarin (yet), no worries. If you would like to focus more on learning Chinese while studying in Beijing, do your research and sign up for classes instructed in Mandarin, or take some language classes on the side!
If you decide to study abroad in Beijing, you’ll likely want to see more than the inside of a classroom. In fact, with history, delicious smells, and bright colors buzzing at every corner, the most difficult part about study abroad in Beijing will be remembering to show up for class.
Beijing is more expensive than other Chinese cities in the provinces, but it still has a much lower cost of living than other common study abroad cities, which makes it a great city to both explore and use as a base for experiencing the whole country. You’ll most likely find yourself in the Haidian District, on the west side of Beijing, which is home to most (but not all) of the capital’s universities.
For being the third largest in the world, the Beijing metro system is an amazing value. Tickets cost just cents for a journey across the network comprised of 18 lines and 334 stops; you don’t need a car to get around Beijing to see the sights or experience the culture! As a city with a long history, international students will benefit from magnificent museums and galleries, historic palaces, and still-preserved old Beijing housing. Thanks to the authorities, entrances to many major museums in Beijing are free too!
Food on and around Beijing’s university campuses is typically inexpensive, and local students often eat one of the many varieties of delicious street food. In fact, in Beijing, you can find anything you can imagine eating available on a stick. There are also street markets, grocery stores, and famous markets where foreign students can join in the haggling. For special treats, there are high-end malls and top-quality restaurants in Beijing as well, but those can get a bit out of the student budget.
When it comes to exploring Beijing, it’s the ultimate city for history buffs; the famous Great Wall of China from the Ming Dynasty is the most frequented site in the country, and within easy reach by tour or car from the city. There are countless parks, temples, and historical sights, even despite the loss of artifacts and sites during Mao’s Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. On the modern side, there's the Olympic Park from 2008, a contemporary Central Business District, and the 798 Art District to check out.
When it comes to the logistics of living in Beijing, be prepared to wade through documents in Mandarin, jump through bureaucratic loopholes, and navigate a maze of red tape. Most students have a smooth transition, but special care should be taken to ensure you understand what is required in both securing accommodation in Beijing and a visa to study in China legally.
Accommodation will usually be arranged directly through your study abroad program in Beijing, and usually comes in a dormitory arrangement. You may end up sharing a room with a fellow international student or be paired up with a local Chinese student, who can help show you the ropes and give recommendations for what to see and do (#score!). Given these constraints, expect to be living in an urban environment, with local amenities close at hand. For those that have the choice of a homestay, this is a great option to save some yuans and taste home-cooked meals with a temporary family abroad that also doubles up as an extended language-learning opportunity.
The main hurdle to studying abroad in Beijing is ensuring you are compliant with the visa application process for China. Plan to apply for a visa at least three or four months ahead of time, and anticipate an in-person visa interview at the nearest Chinese embassy. These interviews are standard for most visa applicants and operate on the schedule of the Chinese government, rather than when your study abroad program or courses may start. The best defense to scrambling on to obtain a visa is to prepare in advance for a slow, but steady, application process. For more information, don’t forget to consult GoAbroad’s Chinese Embassy Directory.
Study abroad in Beijing is not the same as being a tourist in Beijing. Most people go to China to see the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and a few jade sculptures when they visit Beijing on a tourist visa. As a student, you’ll get to live the nitty, gritty details of daily life of a city with over 20 million residents: pollution, crowds, temple fairs, communist rules, and all. If you run out of things to do which push your boundaries, it’s because you’ve stopped looking!
There are other people in your bubble. Beijing is crowded, like more crowded that any place you’ve likely ever visited before. Prepare in advance to say goodbye to personal space when in public places, such as on the metro or waiting in lines. Western customs regarding privacy and having a “bubble” aren’t defined the same way in China, and in can be a bit unnerving for those adapting to life in Beijing.
World-class education. Beijing may not score the highest in all areas of quality of life (most residents use an app to check air quality before heading outdoors!), but education is an exception: the seven major universities in the city are among the world’s best. Students from around the world flock to study in Beijing and experience life in China, providing a diverse set of backgrounds upon which discourse and education flourish.
China is a stunningly beautiful country, and its capital encapsulates this in a distinct, unforgettable way. Whether you’re studying, practicing Tai Chi in the eerily quiet Temple of Heavenly Peace, or pressed tight among Chinese locals shopping in the outdoor markets, prepare for an eye-opening, mind-widening experience as a study abroad student in Beijing.
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
My time studying in Kunming so far has been one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. Especially with my great teacher. Everyone at Ltl has made me feel very welcome and I have been able to experience many amazing things.

So glad you've had a great time in Kunming, Josephine :) We loved having you here with us and are happy your experience matched your expectations!! LTL Team
I joined the school program for two weeks. Helen was our teacher, and she is so funny and good at translating local slang. We had five students in that group and all of us loved her. We didn't expect a young teacher could be very professional and patient but she was amazing.

Two weeks just go too quick, Martina :) But we still had a great time! Keep up the great work. Thanks for your lovely words. LTL Team
We joined the Beijing trip this spring, and i really miss the feeling there! Everyday's classes with friendly and funny teacher, chinese local food differed each day, cultural challenges with locals! I also bought a mini mahjong set back home!

Love to hear it, Artion, we miss you too. Come back and let's do it all again :) LTL Team
It was a great trip in Beijing evenif it was not my first time. Teachers were very patient and professional. I enjoyed the class very much. There are much more students from all other countries in LTL, there were also Spanish, German and other countries.


So glad to hear you had a great time in Beijing with us. Come back again soon and thanks for the 5 stars!! LTL Team
The goal of my trip to China, beyond studying the language, was to get to know the small part of the country that I visited. Anya helped me a lot to manage the practical aspects, guided me in choosing places to see, and encouraged me to try new things in Xi'an(as street food f.e). Thank you.

Thanks so much Maurizio :) We're so glad you had a blast with us. Hope to see you again and thanks for the lovely words. LTL Team
I booked a one-week intensive beginner’s course. It was really worth it and I do feel it did push me to improve a lot. My teachers (Sara in the morning and Lilia in the afternoon) were very supportive, made the class interesting and challenging. And this with a lot of humor and charm. The school has as well organized activities which you can join eg roasted duck dinner, and there is always someone to have a chat or ask for help to navigate Beijing.

Love to hear it, Hector :) We equally had a blast teaching you as well. Come back again soon for more Beijing Duck!! LTL Team
Minha experiência estudando mandarim na LTL em Beihai tem sido excelente. Os professores são atenciosos, pacientes e dedicados. As aulas são dinâmicas e proporcionam uma verdadeira imersão na língua e na cultura chinesa. Recomendo a escola para quem deseja aprender mandarim e vivenciar a cultura chinesa de perto.



Muito obrigado por compartilhar a sua experiência! Ficamos felizes em saber que as aulas dinâmicas e a imersão na cultura chinesa em Beihai fizeram tanta diferença para você. Continue com o ótimo trabalho nos estudos de mandarim e esperamos ver você novamente na LTL algum dia! LTL Team
My Mandarin Immersion Journey, Deciding to pack up and spend three months ago immersing myself in Mandarin was a massive milestone. As a guy from the US looking to move past casual apps and textbook phrases into actual fluency, choosing the right destination and school was everything. After weighing my options, I settled on Beijing as my home base and LTL Mandarin School as my academic launching pad. Looking back at my time there from a couple of months removed, I can say without hesitation it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you are on the fence about where to study and which school to trust, here is an unfiltered look at why Beijing and LTL hit every single mark. Why Beijing? The Gold Standard for Mandarin. When people debate where to study Chinese in China, cities like Shanghai or Shenzhen often get pitched for their ultra-modern, Westernized vibes. But if your core goal is mastering the language, Beijing is the undisputed birthplace of standard Mandarin (Putonghua). Choosing Beijing meant that every time I stepped out of the classroom—whether ordering street food, chatting with a Didi driver, or navigating a park—I was surrounded by clear, crisp, standard pronunciation. There is no heavy southern dialect or alternate regional slang to muddle your learning curve here. The city speaks the textbook. Immersing yourself in Beijing forces your ear to adapt to authentic, correct Mandarin naturally, shortening your learning timeline dramatically. Location and Commuting. Dawanglu LTL Beijing is strategically situated right in the heart of the city’s Central Business District at Dawanglu metro station ). For a student, this location is an absolute game-changer. The Dawanglu transportation conveniences made my daily routine effortless. The school is just a short, second-long walk from the Dawanglu subway station, which sits on major intersecting lines. Getting across Beijing—whether heading to historic sites like the Forbidden City, meeting friends in Sanlitun, or exploring the hutongs—was seamless and fast. You never have to worry about getting stranded in a remote suburb; you are plugged straight into the pulse of the capital. Price-Friendly and Value Studying abroad can easily break the bank, but Beijing offers a surprisingly price-friendly structure relative to the immense value you receive. When you factor in professional, certified native teachers, small group dynamics (which ensure you actually get speaking time rather than sitting silently in a lecture hall of thirty), also found my Chinese name 李景龙, Chinese dragon represents noble personality and foresights, all-inclusive materials, the ROI is exceptional. Daily life in Beijing also scales to fit your budget—you can find high-end dining or incredible, cheap local noodle shops right outside the Dawanglu complex, making it easy to manage living expenses over a prolonged stay. My fav place is downstairs of skp shopping mall where I can find almost the cuisine all over the world. Staff Interaction and Community What truly sets LTL apart from a standard institutional academy is the human element. From day one, the staff Linda, and Alessandra , the interaction felt less like dealing with administration and more like joining a welcoming community. The teachers are rigorous, highly professional, and genuinely invested in your progress, pushing you just enough to break past your comfort zone while keeping classes fun and engaging. Outside of lessons, the school fosters an inclusive social environment with regular cultural activities, lunches, and events. As a foreigner landing in China, having a bilingual support team that helps you sort out local logistics—from mobile apps to setting up your routine—takes away all the initial friction. Two months at LTL Beijing completely transformed my relationship with the Chinese language. Between the unmatched linguistic purity of Beijing, the central, transit-friendly hub of Dawanglu, and a supportive, cost-effective framework, it provides an ideal ecosystem for any serious learner. If you want a school that challenges you, surrounds you with standard Mandarin, and feels like a community rather than a factory, LTL Beijing is the place to be.


It sounds like Beijing really became home! We're thrilled the Dawanglu location, the standard Mandarin and the small classes all worked so well for you. Linda and Alessandra will love reading this. Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a detailed and helpful review for other learners. Keep up the great work studying Mandarin and we hope to see you again some day! LTL Team
I'd highly recommend LTL Chengdu for a Mandarin learning experience. I had three weeks of one-on-one learning at the intermediate level with teacher Guo Xinyue, and she was excellent. I learned a lot, and we also managed to have great conversations aabout society,history, social issues, families and so on, turning these conversations into opportunities to learn more vocabulary. The school is well-run, with a friendly atmosphere, and Chengdu is a very pleasant city, especially in October.

Thanks so much for taking the time and keep up the great work studying Mandarin. Chengdu in October will be waiting if you come back some day! LTL Team
I chose Beijing as my mandarin studying location which was one of the best decisions I made! Not justbecause of the transportation for every day courses and activities. Also, this city is very friendly to all kinds of foreigners no matter how fluently Mandarin you can speak with them or just gestures haha! Great arrangement for my classes where I studied new words, practice oral dialogues, or even chat with teacher to know local life’s…

Getting by with Mandarin or just a few gestures and a smile, that's the Beijing spirit! We're thrilled you chose the city and enjoyed chatting with your teachers about local life. Thanks so much for taking the time and keep up the great work studying Chinese! LTL Team
I chose Beijing as my mandarin studying location which was one of the best decisions I made! Not justbecause of the transportation for every day courses and activities. Also, this city is very friendly to all kinds of foreigners no matter how fluently Mandarin you can speak with them or just gestures haha! Great arrangement for my classes where I studied new words, practice oral dialogues, or even chat with teacher to know local life’s…

Getting by with Mandarin or just a few gestures and a smile, that's the Beijing spirit! We're thrilled you chose the city and enjoyed chatting with your teachers about local life. Thanks so much for taking the time and keep up the great work studying Chinese! LTL Team
总之,这一个半月在北京的学习对我意义非凡。这段经历让我受益匪浅,我的汉语口语进步很大,所以我很高兴能在北京遇到老师,也很高兴能在这里认识你们。我过得很开心,真的很满足。学校和老师们都很棒。衷心感谢大家。总之,这一个半月在北京的学习对我意义非凡。这段经历让我受益匪浅,我的汉语口语进步很大,所以我很高兴能在北京遇到老师,也很高兴能在这里认识你们。我过得很开心,真的很满足。学校和老师们都很棒。衷心感谢大家。

A month and a half in Beijing and a big step forward in your spoken Chinese is what we love to hear!! Our teachers will be so happy to read your kind words. Thanks so much for taking the time and keep up the great work studying Chinese. We hope to see you again some day! LTL Team
Xiatan is our fav teacher. The class is much fun and we not only learn about language but also culture etc. And things about China. We interact and discuss a lot and also learn new vocabulary every day!!!

Thanks so much Rahel, great picture too!! Come back again soon. LTL Team
I had such a wonderful experience at the LTL language school! I spent two weeks learning Mandarin, with group classes in the morning with Summer and private lessons with Alice afterwards. Summer and Alice were both amazing teachers, very kind, patient and encouraging. Summer made the group classes engaging and fun, while Alice always adapted the private lessons perfectly to my level and had a great way of explaining things and making them easy to understand. Both created such a warm and positive atmosphere. I learned so much in only two weeks and genuinely looked forward to class every day. Highly recommend this school to anyone wanting to learn Mandarin!


Looking forward to class every single day after only two weeks is amazing!! We're thrilled to hear that! Summer and Alice will both love reading this, and we'll make sure they see your kind words. Thanks so much for taking the time and keep up the great work studying Mandarin! LTL Team
I spent four weeks at LTL school in Beihai. The school is very flexible according to your needs. They will teach HSK courses, just simple spoken language, or help you improve in the direction you choose. I have been learning mandarin for 3 years and wanted the opportunity to use the language and improve my listening skills. In my time at LTL, I was immersed in Chinese from the day I arrived. My fluency and listening skills improved a lot. I go home with a good understanding of where I need to focus next. I hope to return next year to solidify my further improvement.
Thanks for your kind words, Pat. It was great to have you with us in Beihai :) Hope you keep improving back home! Come back some day. LTL Team
We came to Beijing for two weeks without the programs,And I have improved a lot, especially about practical Chinese on daily topics. A small group really helped us Discuss with other classmates and make friends./;)Love the welcoming lunch very much

It was so much fun, Eva!! It was great having you in Beijing with us. Lunch is always better shared together, we agree!! Come back again :) LTL Team
I was really nervous about learning Mandarin because I'd heard horror stories about massive classes where the teacher doesn't even know your name. GAC’s small group program was the total opposite. There were only six of us in the class, and our teacher, Chen Laoshi, somehow managed to give every single one of us individual attention. The first week was rough—tones are no joke—but having a small group meant I wasn't embarrassed to speak up and make mistakes. We'd spend the mornings on grammar and characters, but the best part was the afternoons. We'd go out into the city to practice ordering food, buying train tickets, or just chatting with locals. It didn't feel like a classroom at all. Living in shared accommodation with other international students was also a huge bonus. We'd go home and practice the vocab we just learned while cooking dinner. I came for 8 weeks knowing absolutely zero Chinese and left being able to have actual conversations with my taxi drivers. The whole thing just felt incredibly personal and well-organized from start to finish.


I participated in a two week program at LTL Chengdu, and I had an amazing time while learning a lot! My instructor Wei was super friendly and dedicated, and I could not have imagined a better teacher. She tailored her instruction specifically to my goals and used real world situations to teach so I could have a more immersive and rich experience. Not only did my Chinese language skills improve, but I also learned a lot about the local culture, food, and lifestyle — things I could never get a chance to experience in a traditional classroom. I highly recommend LTL Chengdu and my teacher Wei!

So happy to hear it, Alex :) You made some great progress in a short amount of time. Keep it up back home and thanks for the kind words. LTL Team
I had a really great experience at this Chinese learning school! The teachers, especially Ann and Jamie, were amazing and genuinely helped me improve my Chinese. They were patient, encouraging and always willing to explain things when I didn’t understand. Their teaching made learning Chinese much more enjoyable, and I became a lot more confident in my speaking and understanding. You can tell that they really care about their students and want everyone to do well. I’m really grateful for all their help and would definitely recommend this school to anyone looking to improve their Chinese!
Thanks for your kind words, Brandon. We're delighted you had a blast studying Chinese with us and we hope you continue to make improvements :) Come back some time soon. LTL Team
I spent 4 weeks in Beijing and I had an amazing time. LTL staff is very professional and helpful, great people to talk to, especially if you want to practice your Chinese. Ms. Alice was my teacher and her lessons were pure pleasure. She always made sure that everyone in the classroom understood everything and had a chance to speak. She was also very encouraging and patient. The other students were also very friendly so the whole school vibe was really good. Overall, great place if you want to learn Chinese and have a good time both at once!

What a great four weeks it was, Karolina! Thanks so much for sharing your lovely story with us. Hope to see you back in China again soon :) Best wishes, LTL Team
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Catherine Smith
Go Abroad China Ltd.
AlumniI have always been fascinated by different cultures, and China’s rich history and language intrigued me.
Read Full Interview
Elise Hanks-Witaszek
CAPA The Global Education Network
AlumniSeeing my sister study abroad in college really motivated me to go abroad as well. I knew I wanted to study abroad but I wasn’t sure where. I found ou...
Read Full Interview
Jennifer Conner
CAPA The Global Education Network
AlumniLearning Mandarin has been a lifelong goal of mine that I only recently began to seriously work on. I am half Taiwanese, but growing up Mandarin was n...
Read Full Interview
Jacob Danzi
CIEE College Study Abroad
AlumniI really love learning languages and about culture in other countries, so I have always had the desire to travel the world. Once I graduate, I would l...
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Deshawn Peterson
(DEAD URL) Mandarin Spring
AlumniI always wanted to travel, not only as a tourist; I wanted the local experience. I felt If I didn't do it now, I would never go.
Read Full Interview
Nick Botham
Hutong School
AlumniI was working in the oil industry as a contractor when the price crashed late in 2014. After a long project in the Arctic, the next contract was cance...
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Alana Perez
[SUSPENDED] Alliance for Global Education
AlumniI decided to go for an international program, because I knew it was the only program that would allow me to study a language outside of the classroom.
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Matt Colbert
IES Abroad
AlumniI have always been interested in the word beyond my immediate grasp. To see what other cultures and lifestyles there were elsewhere, to experience thi...
Read Full Interview
Caroline Sterling
IES Abroad
AlumniThe educational experience of problem solving in an unfamiliar culture, adapting to new standards, and interacting with a foreign civilization fulfill...
Read Full Interview
Ling Le
TEAN by WorldStrides
AlumniI applied for an international program because I wanted a better understanding of the world for what it truly is, and not just what everyone said it w...
Read Full Interview
Francesca Dorsainville
TEAN by WorldStrides
AlumniApart from a childhood dream of climbing the Great Wall, I wanted to experience living in a culture that was completely different from what I am famil...
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Brita Preus
IES Abroad
AlumniAs a management major, I thought that learning about Chinese business and culture would be very relevant to my major and useful for my future. I didn’...
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Cheryl Wassenaar
Boston University Study Abroad
AlumniClasses started at 9 a.m. If the weather was nice, I would walk through the campus of Fudan University; if the humidity was up or the heat was oppress...
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Gabrielle Dawkins
WorldStrides
AlumniAt the time my university had opportunities to go to countries like Brazil and Ghana. Unfortunately, China was not on that list. One of my friends ref...
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Aram Mashigian
WorldStrides
AlumniI chose ISA over other study abroad programs because of their course offerings, program length, and last but not least: their affordability.
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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