Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Breaking the stereotype of China Past Review

By (Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/08/2017 to 06/03/2017 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - International Business in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My chinese improved a lot. Gained a memorable experiences. also made good chinese and american friends. Good foods and cultures. I learned so many things that i can't learn in my school or home country. It's definitely worthwhile, if i have any chance in the future, i would like to do it again.

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.

* 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?

* Safety:

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

i really liked people in the program. Good dorms/apartments. My chinese improved a lot. The most important thing is that i really liked Shanghai and local people there.

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)

If you dont buy or travel, you don't have to spend a lot of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? less than $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? try not to buy stuff besides souvenirs. Spend it on your travel. can buy cheap foods easily.

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? i took 5th chinese courses. (chinese 500 or chinese 105 in my uni)
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? its good to hang out with people in the program, but try to find local friends there to have chances to practice your language a lot. I found a language partner to practice my chinese.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • People
  • Apartment/Dorm
  • Good field trip
* What could be improved?
  • More involvement with school and local people
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? weather!!! keep eyes on the weather forecast! i didn't bring a lot of winter clothes... it was cold!

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!