Eternal Eastern Exposure Past Review

By (Chinese, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 12/20/2013 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - International Business in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself & how far I was willing to push myself outside of my comfort zone.

Review Photos

Alliance for Global Education: Shanghai - International Business in China Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Chinese was INTENSE (12 hrs/wk) but was exactly what I needed to jump start my proficiency. I have been continuing my Chinese since and have come quite a long way thanks to the amazing foundation I received abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Adaptation is key - being in a foreign country comes with surprises - BE FLEXIBLE.

* Food:

TRY THE STREET FOOD

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

...but I didn't have any health issues abroad. Actually, I got sick a few days before I left, but I had a z-pak with me & got better quickly. Your voice/throat may be sore upon arrival. Allow for the natural adjustment to the air quality.

* 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)

Food $10/day Extraneous expenses contingent on individual desires

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? PACE YOURSELF

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?
  • Professors
  • Chinese Roommates
* What could be improved?
  • Dorm safety: locks/keys & safes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save more money.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Chinese 100

Course Department: Chinese
Instructor: Cai Laoshi
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: Super challenging, but the professor was SO SWEET & beyond helpful!
Credit Transfer Issues: Credit transferred (all 9 credits!) nice & smooth.
Course Name/Rating:

Int'l Money & Finance

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very challenging; only take with basic understanding of finance!
Credit Transfer Issues: 3 credits; easy transfer
Course Name/Rating:

China: Economic Giant

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Not challenging really; the Capstone project was fun (so long as you really make it your own: research something you care about and get in the field while you're abroad!)
Credit Transfer Issues: 3 credits; easy transfer