Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible experience I would do again Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 08/02/2015 to 12/11/2015 with

IES Abroad: Shanghai - Economy, Business & Society

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from being abroad about myself and my own country

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Excellent professors

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was mostly satisfied. My homestay mother was kind.

* Food:

Excellent

* 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

IES was always available and very helpful

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? I spent very little considering I was at a homestay. Around 150-200 yuan
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a weekly budget for yourself. It helps a lot before you go on a shopping trip.

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? Beginner
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? It was CHIN-2402
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? Keep at it and do not give up

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
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?
  • The people at IES
  • Friends made within the program
  • Exposure to China
* What could be improved?
  • Preparedness of some of the IES staff in Shanghai
  • Nothing!
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew to explore more and not to be as afraid

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!