A Semester in Shanghai Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 09/01/2016 to 11/25/2016 with

Shanghai University: Shanghai - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My patience increased while my habit to complain decreased. I realized how fortunate I am back in the States in regard to the functional staff we have. It was worthwhile, though sometimes I had to remind myself of the good instead of focusing on the bad.

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.

The classes are generally pretty easy despite all of the courses being master's level classes at this university. This does, though, allow for a stressfree semester to explore Shanghai.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very inefficient and frustrating both before and after I arrived. I was given misinformation several times and no one seems to either want to help you or know how to help you.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Quite similar to a hotel: two twin beds, private bathroom. Not bad compared to Chinese students having to sleep four to a room.

* Food:

Can get boring if you don't switch it up, but I mainly ate in one of the the school's many cafeterias. There is a street of vendors and restaurants right outside of campus, though, and it's very affordable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Campus is far from the city's center, so since the school is surrounded by a Chinese neighborhood, I felt like I had a genuine exposure to their culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Bring your own medications from home as the ones here are limited and--of course--all in Chinese.

* Safety:

Shanghai is very safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Though this program was incredibly frustrating at the beginning, I would deal the poor administration all over again in order to experience this amazing city and it's many activities.

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)

Some of Shanghai's attractions can be on the pricey side, but most are very cheap or even free. Don't forget to use that student discount!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating Chinese food will save you money since Western food is more expensive. Treat yourself every now and then, but don't eat out too much.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Shanghai
  • The other international students
* What could be improved?
  • The communication
  • The internet
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to download a VPN before I landed in China since downloading one after took three days.

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 Networker
An 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.