Drowing in everything Chinese, and re-emerging more and more Chinese like Past Review
By Brandon Pollock (Berea College) - abroad from 09/04/2017 to 12/15/2017 with
IES Abroad: Shanghai - Economy, Business & Society
I learned more and more about China and what it means to live and work there in the future. I also validated my desire to improve my own Chinese speaking abilities.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program was absolutely terrific, they provided many business, campus, and other visits. As well as many tourist visits at no additional cost. The staff was ready and willing to help, and worked their absolute best to make for the best time abroad. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff is great and ready and willing to help you craft the best experience abroad. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements were more than I could have asked for! |
| * Food: |
Amazing!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had my rough moments, but this is the entire point of studying abroad. I can definitely say I learned quite a bit about myself, others, and even more that I never knew there was to learn. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Wondefully, thanks to the insurance. At one point I took a visit to the emergency room and had no problem as the RA accompanied me. |
| * Safety: |
The safety is superb, I felt way safer at any time of the day in China unlike in the U.S.A. where I must always look over my shoulder. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | The most I spent per week was $52 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not eat western food in China! Eating local food is part of studying abroad, so eat local cuisines, not only does this add to the experience but also adds WAY MORE money to your pocket. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Chinese Language 2 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Do not make social circles only with the other study abroad students, go out to eat by yourself, hang out by yourself, and make friends with at least a local or two. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that downloading a VPN was more important than it had come across! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
China's Religion and Philosophy |
| Course Department: | China's Religion and Philosophy |
| Instructor: | Mushroom |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | In my opinion this course deserves 10 stars out of the five available due to its hands on and interactive learning style. Mushroom, the professor, is a practicing Buddhist herself and travels to Tibet often to shoot films of Buddhist. However, this semester, Fall 2017, is her last with this program as she is taking another opportunity of work in Tibet. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I have yet to have my credits transferred. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Chinese 204 |
| Course Department: | Chinese Langauge |
| Instructor: | Sun Liyan |
| Instruction Language: | Chinese (Mandarin) |
| Comments: | This course was intensive, and served its purpose of increasing the proficiency of your Chinese. Sun laoshi was also very adamant about teaching useful Chinese you can and will use in your day to day life. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I have not had my credit transferred quite yet. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Doing Business In China |
| Course Department: | Doing Business In China |
| Instructor: | Nathan Wang |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This course was filled with real world examples supplied by Dr. Wang's experience working in corporations. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I have not had my credits transferred quite yet to my home university. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
International Supply Chain and Logistics |
| Course Department: | International Supply Chain and Logistics |
| Instructor: | Nathan Wang |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This course was filled with real world examples supplied by Dr. Wang's experience working in corporations. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I have yet to have my credits transferred over. |
