Why doesn't everyone go to China? Past Review
By allison.ohanlon.9 (Trinity University) - abroad from 06/18/2014 to 08/16/2014 with
IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - International Business in China
I can speak decent chinese, I feel so confident in traveling. So worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Definitely a challenging program. Good because you really benefit from learning lots of chinese that only helps you while living in China. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our program coordinator rocked! She treated us like her own. The staff were extremely extremely helpful |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
3 bedroom apartment? yes loved it |
| * Food: |
I learned I don't like meat to look like meat. So that was rough, but that's China. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I can't really say a tall white girl can really "integrate" well but I felt like I got a great taste of the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Nothing serious happened so didn't really have to deal with it |
| * Safety: |
Shanghai is so safe. Just don't be stupid with your iPhones. Chinese steal those a lot. Especially with the new iPhone coming out, those will be VERY expensive in China and a major target. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
CHINA IS SO CHEAP |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maybe $30 if that |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | eat chinese, it's a lot cheaper |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Even though Shanghai is decently westernized compared to the rest of China, not many people spoke english so I had plently of opportunities to speak chinese |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | n/a |
| 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? | study hard, it'll pay off |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would of gone on a semester abroad there |
