Eternal Eastern Exposure Past Review
By Justina R (Chinese, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 12/20/2013 with
IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - International Business in China
I learned a lot about myself & how far I was willing to push myself outside of my comfort zone.
Review Photos
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 |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* 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 AdventurerThe 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 |