My Relaxing Summer in Shanghai Past Review

By (International Business, International Studies, and Chinese, Trinity University) - abroad from 06/04/2012 to 08/04/2012 with

IES Abroad: Shanghai - Economy, Business & Society

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned a great deal of Chinese and became close to my classmates. I was also very satisfied with how much time I had to explore Shanghai. It was worthwhile but the program definitely needs to be improved.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Shanghai Foreign Studies University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? n/a

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Third Year Chinese
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? Sign up for a homestay. Best way to practice a language.

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
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?
  • Chinese language classes
  • Traveling opportunities
  • Quality of the language teachers
* What could be improved?
  • Administration and Coordination
  • Internship Selection
  • Opportunities for Travel
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You do not have a choice in what internship you are placed in.