Studying Abroad at Shanghai University Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Centre College) for

Shanghai University: Shanghai - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. It was always easy to talk about how much I missed the US and wanted to be in the US, but no matter how ridiculous and different it was, it was pretty amazing.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Shanghai
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

From my experience, Chinese people can understand english fairly well, but very few are actually above what I would call proficient in speaking english. The classes were not as engaging because of this inability to fluently speak english, and I feel that there was a bit of a barrier between teachers and students. I also was not accustomed to their methods of teaching and grading, so this was another barrier to be overcome, especially since there were not many graded assignments throughout the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Any problems we had were quickly and efficiently handled by the administration. They also put a lot of effort into having us involved in extracurricular activities.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Each student had their own room, and for 4 rooms there were 3 sinks, 3 toilets, and 2 showers. <br /><br /> It was very nice and accommodating. It was also very close to a shopping center, convenience store, and metro station.

* Food:

Overall, it was like anything else. You would order things you may not have liked sometimes, but there was never bad service or anything concerning served to you.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You get to do whatever you choose to do, so it's ultimately up to how each person uses their time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

We were moved to a dorm before arriving because of mold, and some were moved again because of health problems after arriving. Throughout the entire stay, the only threat I heard of or experienced was pick pocketing, and that happens anywhere.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Depends on where you eat. Meals can range anywhere from 50 cents in the cantine to being just as expensive in america.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? None. Everything is really cheap. It's just very easy to buy a lot of things just because of how cheap it is.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is what you make it.