Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Out of My Comfort Zone, Exactly Where I Need to Be Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/08/2017 to 06/03/2017 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - 21st Century City

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My language improved dramatically, I met some incredible people who have shown me how many different life paths there are, I gained a huge appreciation for Chinese culture, and I visited some places I likely will never travel to again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Just a little far from the subway.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My roommates made my experience!

* Food:

Very cheap and convenient food right outside of the apartment complex.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were housed in an International Student Complex, so my only consistent social and cultural integration was with my Chinese roommate and language partner. However, I enjoyed meeting people from all around the world, and I spent enough time exploring the city that I didn't feel isolated from the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yingyi helped many students through health issues, taking them to English speaking hospitals when necessary.

* Safety:

I didn't feel unsafe at any point. My biggest fear was having my phone pickpocketed, and being ripped off by taxis.

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

I feel like the classes were geared toward exploring the city. My art class, for example, was spent only in art museums. My urbanism class was spent in different locations around the city. Consequently, I felt like I was constantly exploring and constantly learning.

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)

It is very easy to live cheaply.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I'd recommend living like a Shanghai'er during the week and an expat during the weekend. Buy coffee for your apartment, as it's relatively expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? CHIN 202
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? You will learn as much by speaking to a local for half an hour as you do in class for three hours. Go to class for your grammar, and explore for your fluency!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends
  • Location
  • Employees
* What could be improved?
  • Finals Week - too relaxed during the semester and you get whammed the last week, space out deadlines
  • Air conditioning broke at least five times
  • I wasn't picked up at the airport and had a very hard time finding the apartment complex. There should have been someone at the airport for everyone, even if they landed outside of the window, because I wasn't the only one who had trouble.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is something I knew beforehand that I think made my experience what it was: Always say yes (unless personal safety is at risk). If you're asked to try a new food, say yes. If you're asked to go on an adventure, say yes. If you're asked to speak the language, say yes. You won't regret it.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.