No Regrets Past Review
By Frederick Brown (University of North Carolina - Charlotte / UNCC) - abroad from 07/05/2017 to 08/05/2017 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Shanghai - Fudan University
I learned how to adjust with new living conditions in a totally new culture all on my own. At Fudan, I was pushed to work outside my comfort zone by working with groups of people from around the world who were also from different cultures. I had to learn how transportation and street etiquette in China works.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Fudan University is a great university that offers so much more than an experience. They offer unique resources and guidance that would be unavailable anywhere else. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very organized and easy to communicate with. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The TEAN apartments in Shanghai, China is something that I have not stopped to my friends about. The amenities provided was definitely way more than I anticipated to be available. |
| * Food: |
Food was delicious and definitely very unique. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Going abroad with TEAN was a decision that I will never regret in my entire life. It was the first time that I had studied abroad and I cannot imagine going abroad because of the type of experience they helped me discover. Shanghai is a special place that I now hold very near and dear to my heart even if I was only there for a short amount of time. I made friendships from around the world that I know will last a lifetime. Seeing everything in person rather than in photographs such as the Bundt, the Pearl Tower, Yu Garden, and Shanghai Disney was so surreal and I still sometimes cannot believe that I actually went there. Lastly, Fudan University deserves all the praise it has been receiving as a place for higher education. It pushed me to work better in groups, work outside my comfort zone, and to think outside the box. If these are the kind of experiences that you are looking for in a study abroad experience then TEAN is the program for you! |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | under $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You can be frugal but keep in mind that you still have to eat everyday. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Immerse yourself and do not be afraid to practice talking to locals. Especially local students. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had practiced my Chinese more before going to Shanghai. |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
