Written by Minnie Norgaisse, (Brandeis University) Student Correspondent CET Beijing: Intensive Language, Spring 2018
One of the best aspects of the CET Intensive Language program is Beijing is the opportunity to be paired up with a Chinese roommate. While students do learn a LOT in the classroom, it’s only by being with a roommate that your Chinese reaches a level of authenticity that it might not be able to otherwise. Of course, the prospect of having a new roommate can be daunting sometimes! I know that before coming to Beijing, I wasn’t sure what to expect. So, for my third blog post, I’ve decided to interview some of the roommates here on the current CET program to help prospective students get a glimpse of what their future roommates could be like!
Name: 柯芯 (Ke-shin) [Pictured above]
Hometown: Sichuan Province, China
Q: Why did you want to be a CET roommate?
I’m really outgoing and like to make friends in general. But I’m also interested in the USA and have always wanted to make friends with American students!
Q: What are some of your favorite things you’ve done with your roommate?
Trying out new foods at different restaurants! Also talking about each other’s lives. I like learning more about my roommate’s family and she’s learned a lot about mine.
Q: What’s one thing incoming CET students should know about the roommates?
CET students should make an effort to learn about their roommate! What they like to do, their preferences and lifestyle habits.
Name: 澄钢 (Cheng Gang)
Hometown: Jiangsu, China
Q: Why did you want to be a CET roommate?
Two reasons: to better understand cultural connections between the U.S. and China, and to get to know more American friends.
Q: What are some of your favorite things you’ve done with your roommate?
KTV (karaoke), going out, and talking together!
Q: What’s one thing incoming CET students should know about the roommates?
The Chinese roommates are all really warm and welcoming. They are all more than willing to help CET students with any issues they might run into!
Name: 慧慧 (Hui-hui)
Hometown: Anhui, China
Q: Why did you want to be a CET roommate?
I just want to understand American students better and better understand what Americans think about, for example – student life, relationships, politics, etc. I like making lots of friends, and I’ve never been abroad, so I hope that through CET I could get to know some American college students.
Q: What are some of your favorite things you’ve done with your roommate?
I love talking with my roommate because this way, she can practice her Chinese and we can discuss our thoughts together. This helps us get closer!
Q: What’s one thing incoming CET students should know about the roommates?
I think they should make an effort to understand their roommates and learn more about their preferences. On the flip side, they should also tell their roommates about their own personal preferences. In order to live together, this is really important.
Name: 王星 (Wang Xing)
Hometown: Miyun District, Beijing
Q: Why did you want to be a CET roommate?
I really like American culture and want to understand it better. Also, I wanted to help my roommate with their Chinese.
Q: What are some of your favorite things you’ve done with your roommate?
Honestly, talking together, about differences between the US and China, sports, etc. I’m really happy when we get to talk together. We get along really well!
Q: What’s one thing incoming CET students should know about the roommates?
I’d say that there’s not one specific thing, but if they’d ever want to get to know their roommate before they meet, they could definitely get in touch with each other!