Written by Angelreana Choi (Yale University), Student Correspondent for CET Beijing, Summer 2023 After experiencing much racism growing up in a conservative town in rural Missouri, I was excited to live in China, where my East Asian-looking face would allow me to be a part of the majority, for two years. Being in Beijing has been a breath […]
My First Friend in Beijing
Written by Angelreana Choi (Yale University), Student Correspondent for CET Beijing, Summer 2023 Every CET Beijing student is paired with a 语伴 (yǔ bàn), or language partner, to facilitate a smoother transition to life in Beijing and to aid with language growth and acquisition. Many yǔ bàn grab dinner with us, help us study for our exams, […]
The Principle of Spontaneity: Connecting with Nature in Beijing
Written by Laura Romig (Brown University), Student Correspondent for CET Beijing, Summer 2023 When a group of classmates and I first encountered Beijing’s beautiful natural landscape, it was by accident. In Chinese, there is a word, 随便, with a long list of translations depending on its context—“casual,” “random,” “carelessly,” “to do as one pleases,” “to be free and […]
A Finely Woven Embroidery: Firsts in Beijing, China
Written by Laura Romig (Brown University), Student Correspondent for CET Beijing, Summer 2023 I had just arrived in China, sticky with sweat and anticipation. And I was on my way to a Domino’s? After thirty total hours of travel, eight of them spent wandering the Doha airport and an hour-long bus into the city, I had scrambled across […]
Gap Student Spotlight: Clara Grillo
“Do a gap program! I am enrolled in college now, and I was so much better prepared to handle the transition to dorm life and college academics from having had a gap year experience. Don’t be afraid of programs that look intimidating or out of your comfort zone.”
Beijing: Culture Shock Strategies
& Other Tips
I decided to write a list of places, strategies and activities that helped me get comfortable living in Beijing with the hope that it can help future students.