It was pretty chill. Past Review

By (Financial Enginerring, SUNY - Binghamton) for

Fudan University: Shanghai - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Why are you still asking questions?

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I believe that the most I learned was from interacting with people in Shanghai themselves, not really from the classrooms. It was a good experience overall.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very lackluster, and we had to figure out everything by ourselves.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing, was spectacular, especially for the price. The neighborhood was very poor, but I prefer living in conditions where we can experience what the locals experience. Everything was provided for us, besides personal items and food.

* Food:

I had high hopes for the food in China, and although it was good, people can easily get sick of eating in low class restaurants, due to the amount of grease and salt used.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Can't mention here.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

While it might not be too safe for foreigners, as long as you speak fluent Chinese you can get by without people trying to scam you or take advantage of you.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? All my money disappeared very fast somehow. Don't drink too much.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bar and club prices are as high as New York City.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I think the most important part of learning a language is to be immersed with it 24/7, and that's what this program has let me do, even though the classroom component was somewhat limited.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One who is fluent in Chinese.