Nationality: Australian
Occupation: OT

Geraldine's Experience

My visit to Beijing was made most memorable and meaningful through the assistance of the people of East West Connection. My main priorities for the visit included: to learn the basics of the Chinese language on a conversational level and to have exposure to other cultural aspects such as the local food, arts, and sights around Beijing. A quick search on the internet soon took me to their website, an informative and instructive first point of contact which brought me confidence to progress closer to my goals.

Being the first time to travel on my own to any foreign country for an extended period meant that I was entrusting my valuable time and resources into the hands of what I hope were people who both valued the provision of high, personable service in their language study program as well as being able to utilise the benefits of our rich technological advances to cater to an adult style learning needs.

True to their highlighted mission, everything from timely and efficient email communication, airport pickup and drop off through to the dedicated care and concern shown to me throughout my stay has most definitely resulted in a lasting, positive impression on every aspect of my stay. Whether it was to go to the hospital, the pharmacist, bank, or the church… I knew that my needs were their top interest. I attest that the professional quality of the teaching with use of various language softwares, the coordination of my accommodation at a university campus with other foreign students, daily wushu classes, orientation to the public utilities, and the weekend tours is worthy of anyone’s recommendation… to name a few.

I have gained much since and am still amazed at just how much more I’ve come away with aside from fulfilling my initial goals. Those were fond memories, warm friendships, and most definitely a month well spent! The smooth transitioning and ease in finding my way around Beijing within the first week and a half allowed for an immersion into the local way of life on a level made more possible than any tour guide alone could orchestrate. There were nights spent where I alone meandered through the night markets and alley ways and many streets well travelled throughout the days… haha, these were interspersed with a plethora of food and shopping stalls galore amidst an ever bustling hive of activity, smells, and sounds. It was more than can be asked for by a foreigner. The encouragement and the progress made in my Mandarin throughout the month (and its day to day application by the first lesson) is a sure testament to all who were a part of East West Connection. Duo xie ni!!