Shanghai: The best city in the world Past Review

By (International Business., Rollins College) for

Shanghai University of Finance and Economics: Shanghai - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience was more than worthwhile. I learned a great deal about China and improved my language skills.

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.

The work load was too heavy. It took away from the overall experience of China.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program directors were not too very accessible. They were good at getting things done for certain individuals. Overall my expectations from the program were not met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood and living arrangements were good, we were provided with everything we needed.

* 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? No

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? Approximately $30 was spent on food per week. About $2 per meal.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? you incur any medical bills whilst you are in China.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 200 level Mandarin Chinese
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

We did not have anyone provided to help us practice Chinese. it was necessary to use Chinese everyday and we practiced with locals at shops.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? An independent and out going individual will benefit the most from this program as you have to make your experience. The program organizers do not help much in immersing you in the culture and meeting locals.