Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

best decision i have ever made. Shanghai exposes you to so much! Past Review

By (University of Tampa) - abroad from 02/25/2013 to 07/08/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
i learned a lot. of course that being in China exposes you to a whole different culture.when you come to this programs there's a lot of expectation about the city and the people. all of my expectation were exceeded. i got to meet amazingp eople who i will try to keep in touch with, made some amazing memories that i will treasure forever. i would not change one thing about my study abroad experience

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.

Fudan is considered one of the top schools in China, nevertheless it wasnt academically challenging for me. the classes were quite easy, did not have a lot of assignments or projects due and the tests were easier for people who spoke better English.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

the assitant director is did a pretty good job. she wasnt around too much, which good and solved the problems that needed to be solved.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

i couldnt expect more from the living arrangements, i got along pretty well with my roommates, the street the apartment was in was perfect, the apartment was spacious and comfortable and felt a lot like home.

* 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

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? $100.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? yes, if you come to Shanghai and want to experience the night life. GET TO KNOW THE PROMOTERS! honestly, it will save you so much money! you dont have to pay for any alcohol and can still have a good time.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? try to learn the basic and the numbers first, it will be realyl helpful throughout the semester. dont be embarrassed to communicate with the locals, even if you dont know much. much of the people are glad to very open to talk to you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • my friends
  • the city
  • nightlife
* What could be improved?
  • the internet at the apartments
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? i really wish i would have done some research about the city before coming here. there is a lot of things about Shanghai that i didnt know before coming. and i would also reccomend at least know hi, bye and thank you in chinese before coming.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.