Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This helped me have the most adventurous summer ever! Past Review

By (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 07/12/2018 to 08/09/2018 with

Fudan University: Shanghai - International Summer Session

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely a worthwhile experience. I gained a sense of confidence as I attempted to speak Chinese whenever I had the opportunity. I met hundreds of people from all over the world. I also learned to be more flexible as plans change, but sometimes it’s for the best!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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 thought the program at Fudan was well planned and executed. I met tons of new people and was able to have a few days to find friends and learn the area before being thrown into long days of classes. There were optional weekend and week night events all the time. I wasn’t able to do everything just because of the large amount that they offered. It was very helpful not to have to plan my weekends because the university already did all of that for me.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save more than you think will be necessary, especially if you will be visiting a country where the currency exchange is not in your favor. I lucked out because $1 = 7 Chinese yuan.

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? Advanced Chinese Conversations
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? Force yourself to actually practice speaking. Many locals appreciated the effort. I learned the most when I struggled through speaking to local people rather than just by reading the textbook for my Chinese lesson everyday.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Perfect size (400 international students)
  • Lots of activities and excursions (some scholarships available)
  • Good selection of courses offered
* What could be improved?
  • Courses were very challenging (it is an intensive program)
  • More English-speaking advisors for course questions at host university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be as prepared as possible, but plans will change. You just have to adapt and know that everything will work out. You can still have fun doing things you didn’t plan or consider ever doing.

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!