The Scent of Osmanthus Latte May 07, 2021

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/12/2020 to 12/26/2020 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Shanghai - Fudan University (For Chinese Students)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that Shanghainese food is so tasty.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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? Yes

Although we couldn't have an immersive Fudan university experience, I met a lot of Wellesley students who choose to stay in China for this semester due to Covid. We hanged out and celebrated my birthday. I think that was one of the highlights of my life.

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? 150 USD

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I am a native speaker
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Wellesley Sisters
  • Chinese food
  • My friends from elementary school
* What could be improved?
  • The program (I wish we have more time to socialize with Fudan students)
  • Residence (we stay in the hotel for four months)
  • Activities (we only had a group activity during Thanksgiving)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish to know that due to Covid the program might not function the same way as normal.