The second half of my Spring semester studying abroad in Beijing

Sunshine

One of the reasons I love living abroad is because, whether for better or worse, my life changes every day. That being said, it’s been a few months since I actually wrote a post about what and how I’m doing on the other side of the world. Luckily, it was due to the fact that I had much more interesting/useful content to share, but I figure seeing as it is my blog, I might as well update anyone who wants to know how it’s going. Read the rest of this entry

The reality of teaching English as a study abroad student in Beijing

I just want to start by saying this isn’t a cliché post about the negative impact teaching English can have on learning Chinese. In fact, after struggling a bit to complete the final task on my list of major things I needed to get done in order to stay/survive in Beijing (i.e. make some sort of income), I actually decided to seek out an English teaching job. Long story short (although you should continue reading the long story below), after 2 months, I had “taught” a total of 2 students English, and had earned a total of $63.29 USD – oh, and I no longer teach English. Read the rest of this entry

A little liquid cultural immersion

This probably goes without saying, but most students have a beer or 10 when they’re abroad. If you’ve read “The Ultimate Study Abroad Guide“, you’ll know that alcohol has a different place in cultures outside of the U.S., and that bar hopping and socials (which usually turn into bar hopping) are actually a important part of most clubs, sports, and activities. Not to mention alcohol usually has a connection to a country’s history, so visiting a place like the Guinness Storehouse and having a beer actually has an academic/cultural benefit. Here are my favorite beers and booze from my time abroad. (By the way, this was totally unplanned, but with St. Patty’s day around the corner, it works out pretty well.)
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My first few weeks as a student at Beijing University

Beijing University West Gate

My 2 month vacation is over. In the span of the last 8 days, I went through orientation, registered, enrolled, and started class, and am now officially a student at Beijing University. So far it’s a been a completely different experience than last semester when I was at CET, and while I’m happy with where I am, being an American study abroad student who enrolled directly into a Chinese University definitely makes for a study abroad experience like I’ve never had before.

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Why we should be glad fireworks are illegal in America

Happy Chinese New Year from Beijing

Happy Chinese New Year （新年快乐）from The Study Abroad Blog. The actual start of the Chinese New Year a.k.a. Spring Festival (春节） was the 23rd of January, but since it lasts for 15 days, I think I can say Happy New Year and still be in the clear for another 3 days. Knowing both that it’s the biggest Chinese holiday and that the Chinese do it bigger than we do any holiday in America, I was looking forward to my first Chinese New Year experience, and what an experience it was… Read the rest of this entry