Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Academically, this program was excellent, but socially it was disappointing. Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/23/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - Intensive Chinese Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile because it made me more confident and eager to speak Chinese.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No personal experiences with healthcare, but I knew how to access it if needed.

* Safety:

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

My goal was to improve my language skills, which I did.

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? Eating in the dining hall I rarely had to spend more than 100 kuai (15 USD) on food each week. Other food is more expensive, but still inexpensive compared to US restaurants.

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? Chinese 202

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • People were very supportive
  • Class was tailored to fit my needs
  • Coursework was rigorous, but manageable
* What could be improved?
  • Too few students
  • More opportunities to interact with students in other programs
  • Earlier notifications about events/activities/changes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew there would only be four students.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!