A Shangtastic Adventure Past Review

By (Chinese Language, Literature Environmental Studies, North Central College) - abroad from 08/23/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - Intensive Chinese Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to manage a bevy of responsibilities. I gained confidence in my language and travel abilities. I met some great people. I learned how to better utilize my patience and resilience. Great learning experience

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a lot. The intensive language setting is a tremendous way to improve your Chinese, and your comfort in using it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Staff was very helpful with any of the problems I had. Yingyi saved me and my friends many a time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing situation was less than ideal. My host mother was not particularly kind. But a worthwhile experience

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Seeing something new everyday
  • The people
  • Using my Chinese
* What could be improved?
  • Host family screenings
  • Better encouraged integration of students into SUFE
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It goes by fast. Enjoy it all