CIS Study Abroad, or Independent Application

[love_china]

Hi!!

I'm currently 18 years old going into my second year of university in Canada. I really want to improve my mandarin (probably at beginner level right now) an all aspects - written, reading and oral. My plan is to study for one semester - fall 2010 is my plan.

I have been planning to go with the CIS study abroad program (http://www.studyabroad-cis.com/index.php?country=china) which runs from end of august to beginning of december at UIBE.

------------------------------

Should I apply through this program (about 13,000US in total for4 months -- 2 meals a day, residence, tuition included)

OR apply directly to the school? http://www.uibe.edu.cn/upload/up_dfs/ehy.htm

and take the Intensive language program for beginners?

Has anyone had any experience with this program? Is it good? Is it the best program to learn the most mandarin possible in 4-6 months? Are other schools in Beijing better?

thanks soooo much!!!!!!

[XiaoBin]

From what I've heard about agencies: The are always more expensive and they don't do alot. Mostly you will pay double of what you would pay if you apply yourself. I think it's good to calculate how much the difference is, and think if it will be worth it to go through an agency. Housing is fairly easy to arrange and i'm sure that ppl on this forum can tell you more about it, whatever uni you decide to go to.

About the schools, I think it depends what why you studying chinese. Is it business chinese, conversational? I heard Beida is pretty good.

[love_china]

Do you think it will be harder to make friends since I'll be going independently?