As you know, I get emailed about BLCU and my experience in Beijing, so I thought I’ld share my answers to these questions a reader emailed me just in case other people are also curious (seems very likely).
Did you use an agent to go to BLCU?
No, I went through my university as a student exchange (which I was accredited for) and received the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Scholarship. My university arranged my tuition, via the scholarship, but everything else was expected to be arranged by me (accommodation, transport, visa, flights etc).
How did you get a roomate at BLCU?
The BLCU staff at each dorm will automatically assign you to someone… generally they go by the country you are from. I think they try to pair up different countries to encourage a multicultural environment, but if you have a someone you want to share with, you just need to let them know. They do NOT allow different sex sharing the same room, although the dorms are unisex.
Does BLCU take the students around the city (sightseeing, shopping, etc) during the weekend?
BLCU does arrange some touristy things to do (mostly for short term students), but you’re expected to do your own shopping. There’s so many shops in Beijing that you won’t even realise you’re in one!
Maybe going to Beijing with a friend made it easy?
Having a familiar face will definitely make it easier and less scary for a first timer in Beijing, and the best person to have around is someone who can translate for you!! My friend arrived before me and made all her arrangements, even finding the chaoshifa, without me around. It just saves you lots of misunderstandings, headaches and frustration if you have someone there to vent with =)
However, you can very easily go to BLCU without knowing a single person because it’s very very easy to make friends on campus.
How about reporting to the police about my arrival?
hAHa, to be honest I didn’t even think about reporting anything to the cops… I’m not sure if it’s even effective? Just remember that there are hundreds and thousands of students going on exchange to foreign countries all the time. You Are Not Alone! Worst case scenario, find your embassy and get their help. I don’t know about other countries, but (once you get past the check point) the Australian embassy is very friendly and helpful.
