This paper describes a case study of a group of students of Chinese from a British university on their Year Abroad, focusing on the benefits and challenges of their experiences.Students benefited by developing their linguistic competence through immersion in the Chinese language, gaining first-hand experience of Chinese culture in all its diversity, and becoming more confident and independent.Among the challenges they faced were the unfamiliar teaching styles and curriculum arrangements in Chinese universities, the lack of integration with Chinese students, the need for self-motivation, and the limited opportunities for work experience or internships.The paper concludes with some recommendations for universities about possible improvements in provision in these key areas.