Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Shanghai: Immersing into the Culture Past Review

By (Finance & Chinese Mandarin, Trinity University) for

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - 21st Century City

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Excellent academics and presenting of culture and society. The advancement in my language level has really helped me with my studies at my university.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Heavy workload every day. Because of such small classes, we would always have to be extra prepared for class. Tough academic system, but learned a lot!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Michelle, our program coordinator/advisor in Shanghai, lived in our same apartment complex and was always there 24/7 ready to help us out with anything. She was someone we could depend on at anytime, always knowing we could find an answer to anything with her.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were great in comparison to the average housing in China. We were fortunate enough to have spacious rooms with modern furniture and real toilets. It was two Americans and one Chinese living in each apartment. The International student village (Tonghe Apartments) were a 15-25 minute walk to classes, in a chinese neighborhood. The apartments host international students from other programs as well, so there are a lot of foreigners around. The location allows students to experience the Chinese culture and if want the more modern international Shanghai, can go to the other side of the city and feel the difference in atmospheres.

* Food:

Mainly chinese food around campus, but do have a couple of exceptions such as Ciao, El Mexicano, and two sushi places that are walking distance.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You become very close with your program group. However, you do not engage in any activities with other foreigners. You don't tae classes with them or even get to meet them unless you do so on your own terms.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very safe! Health issues- Lots of students engaged in Chinese medicine for the experience!! Very common to get food sick!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Depends if you plan to shop.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Deposit of about $100 for phone and apartment. If you plan on taking taxis a lot... prepare to spend on taxi rides.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

We had a Chinese roommate and a US roommate. My chinese roommate was never around to practice Chinese with. However, we were forced to speak Chinese during a great portion of the day every day.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Academic focus
  • Apartment facilities
  • Beijing trip & weekly field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Less work load
  • Help people in program socialize with each other
  • More interaction with other foreign programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Explore the city both day and night! You'll have two different perspectives! You'll love it!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary Society & Issues
Course Department:
Instructor: Jie Zhang
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Excellent course. Very interesting material. Involved students in the contemporary society in China. Immersed us into the culture by requiring field work on a weekly basis. This is a capstone course which requires extensive research & analysis. Great for indulging the culture!
Credit Transfer Issues: No