Hello! Can you please state your name and current occupation?

My name is Diego. I’m a musician and an independent business owner from Miami. I do consulting, focusing in the areas of marketing and creative.

Why did you want to go to China, now?

I came to China to research and evaluate the potential business opportunities also to determine what China’s music scene and music culture are like.

Why did you want to study Chinese now?

Coming to China, I was going to be faced with the challenge of learning the language.

It’s no secret. Everyone knows that China is a bridging market for business and art and culture. Learning the language was key for me.

How did you begin your search to find study abroad immersion program and how did you hear about/discover NSC?

I became interested in the idea of coming to China sometime around last year. Around that same time, a buddy of mine told me about Next Step China and I read up on their program, and I did a bit of research on other companies that provide destination management.

Why did you Choose NSC?

After comparing a few programs on the internet and doing a thorough evaluation, I went with Next Step China because I was overwhelmingly convinced that they had the best service. And that came about after my initial conversation with their Program Director. I found these guys to be just incredibly approachable. They weren’t trying to sell something. It was a very candid conversation. And I appreciated that. I felt that these people were all about personal attention and that NSC were going to look after me, more on a personal basis. It’s by far exceeded my expectations.

What do you think of our website?

After I got on the phone with them, I went to the website again and I noticed that it goes into detail of what everything is about and how they cater to different people, whether you’re a student or a professional. Everything is very easy to read; very concrete stuff. That’s how you know it’s real. The web site is what pretty much sealed the deal.

What were your goals in choosing the program you selected with NSC?

The program that Next Step China ended up setting me up with is the Year-round tutoring program. The program was great because it gave me the flexibility of time. It allowed me to do what I had to do and be able to get an hour or two of tutoring in the evening.

What have you gained during your stay in China?

From this experience of coming to China and the way that Next Step China has helped complete this experience and really made it pop for me, I’ve gained so much. I’ve gained so much cultural perspective. I’ve learned a great deal about the city. Aside from the great experience of getting to know the Chinese culture and just being out here, another thing that was great for me is the ability to network and the contacts and people I’ve met. . I met some fun and cool people. My experience here in Beijing, through the help of Next Step China, pretty much represented a catalyst move to set up my business network here in Asia. Obviously, I’m grateful for Next Step China and their assistance.

How did you feel about NSC’s accommodations?

The accommodations are phenomenal; it was pretty much what you would hope for in being out here. You’re provided with everything you need such as in-house washer and (wireless) high speed internet. Most importantly, it was a comfortable environment where I could work. You don’t have to worry about all the little things such as paying the electricity bills and things like that through Next Step China. You have a nice, clean, fully-furnished apartment. I’m more than happy with them. Next Step China’s apartments are (also) very well located. It’s in the part of Beijing where you really want to be.

How about the little things like transport cards, address cards, phone etc.

Another example of the quality of service of Next Step China is getting around China. I wanted to feel the city and I wanted to learn the subway system. Immediately, they provided me with a map and a transportation card and they walked me through the very basics of getting around so that was very cool. What’s great is that they lead you into these things and they let you walk on your own. They let you dictate the amount of involvement they want to have on their experience, but at the same time, they’re always gonna be there. If you want to go see a temple on your own or go to a business meeting, they’re there to back you up. That’s one of the most valuable things that I liked with their program. You can call them up and they’re there.

They got all the details already taken cared of even before you land in China like the cell phone and SIM card. And that’s one of the many valuable things I value about Next Step China. They take care of the little things for you.

How did you feel about NSC’s tutoring program?

Without the tutoring programs, I would’ve been a fish out of water out here. The tutoring programs were surprisingly on point. What I mean by that is that they really got to the core of what I needed most, which was to learn the very basics of conversational Mandarin and being able to get out there and survive. The tutoring is custom tailored of what you want to get out of it and your reasons on wanting to learn Mandarin. Given my circumstances, the Next Step China Program Directors already had a lesson plan that was customized for my particular goals in Mandarin. That was very valuable and very practical. It was these lessons that gave me the confidence to get into a meeting or to go to a grocery or asking someone about a specific destination. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without these tutoring programs. They were great!

How do you feel about NSC’s service?

Next Step China’s service is so complete and broad that they can provide you with the full spectrum of what you need. It’s a one-stop-shop for basically anyone who wants to come out to China. The western accommodations, orientation and welcome dinner were great. I felt the immersion into the culture. They’re not just being a host but they’re pro-actively engaging my interest and coming out to see the different areas, meet Chinese people, to see not only the sights but to see what local life here is like. And that I found really valuable. I don’t think you get that anywhere else.

Another thing that’s good about Next Step China is that the Staff are really looking after you. I really felt like they care about the quality of your experience and they care to answer your questions. Even if you need to order food for yourself, they can make that phone call for you or they can coach you through it. Another thing that’s great is that if I got into a taxi cab and I try to give the driver directions, we might be lost in translation; I can call them (NSC Staff) up immediately. They’re just happy to help.

The process from actually learning about these guys and talking with them on the phone, coming to China was smooth. Just the service at large was really surprisingly thorough. From the initial phone call, to the decision to come here, to the brief dialogues, get off the plane, with a huge sign of Next step China and my name on it. That made me feel great. I immediately felt like I had people here. I felt like that if I ever want to come back to China, I got people here. That’s what I believe is probably they’re approach. They’re your people out here. That’s why I’m more than happy with my choice and that’s why, without any hesitation, I’ll work with them again.

Would you recommend the program?

Without question, I recommend Next Step China to friends, family, and anyone interested in coming to China. If you’re coming to China, go with these guys.

Did NSC meet or exceed your expectations?

The program itself is phenomenal, it’s world class, it’s got everything you need from the technical aspect and the basic things you need in coming out to China. The thing I find most valuable about the program is that it represents a support-system and provides me with a back-up. I feel like I have a network here. Whatever I need, I can just call them up and I can have my questions answered, my problems addressed and any confusion cleared up. On top of the service that they provide and the discipline of the tutoring program, but the intangible effect that they’re a support system is what makes this program great. Whatever I need, I feel like my problems are addressed and my needs.