Living in China

LEARNING CHINESE

Most BSA students come to China without having any previous Chinese language experience. This is beneficial because students start to learn the language without having developed incorrect pronunciation and intonation that is common with students who have only studied Mandarin in the States. Native English speakers can make all the sounds in Mandarin Chinese. The basic grammatical sentence structure is the same as English-- subject, verb, and object. There is no conjugating verbs in Chinese. Furthermore, students do not find the four tones in Chinese to be as daunting as they first assumed. Tutors are readily available to help students practice. Like anything else, consistent practice will help you advance in the language. Have no fears about studying Chinese--there are about 1.3 billion native speakers here who have already learned the language just fine and so can you.

HOUSING AND LIVING ON CAMPUS

HOUSING.

All BSA students are housed in the international dormitory where they will room with either another BSA student or an international student. Dormitory rooms are small and spartan by Western standards, but very comfortable and clean. Each student is supplied with a comforter, blanket, bed sheets, and pillow. These are changed weekly. There is a laundry room located on each floor in the international dorm. A load of clothes can be washed for about .60 cents. Dryers are also available. You may purchase coins for the laundry at the front desk in first floor lobby. There is also a dry cleaners located next to the dormitory. All rooms have a private washroom with western-style toilet and shower area. Rooms have a small refrigerator.

EATING OUT.

Students may purchase a meal pass. Money can be added to the card and used to buy meals at the campus cafeteria. A two-three course meal cost around $2 USD. Students are encouraged to make use of the Chinese cafeteria. There are a number of foreign and Chinese cuisine restaurants on and near campus. It should be noted that most of these foreign restaurants are just as expensive as the ones you find in the States. Chinese food is very cheap and delicious in Beijing--use this opportunity to sample the many different Chinese cuisines!

When eating out make sure your food is well-cooked and hot. You should also carry hand sanitizing lotion and tissues as some restaurants may not provide soap and hot water to wash your hands or paper towels to dry them.

INTERNET.

If you bring your laptop computer you may get an Internet connection in your room for around $50 USD a semester. There are Internet cafes and wireless spots located on and near campus.  The cost is around $1 USD per/hour. Some cafes just require you buy something to use their wireless connection

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