Unbelievably Incredible: Shanghai, China through The Education Abroad Network Past Review

By (Business Management/International Business, Marymount Manhattan College) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
MOST DEFINITELY! I have definitely learned a lot from my study abroad experience. Not only academically, but also culturally as a person. I fell in love with China and all it has to offer. The experience opened my mind and made me realize how much I do want to do business in or with China in the near future. It also allowed me to understand and see where the Chinese perspective comes from- which was utterly fascinating to me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Fudan University had a unique way of teaching, in my opinion. A lot of work was intended to be independent and out of class. There were many group projects and opportunities to go out and explore the city for particular assignments- which was quite enjoyable. The Professors were always there to meet with you if you had questions or concerns about the course material or what was expected. Also, it was really interesting hearing their point of views, from a Chinese perspective, on global issues. Overall, Fudan University was phenomenal and definitely a great place to study for the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Education Abroad Network did a FABULOUS job with pre-departure information all the way to the end of the semester and pre-arrival back in our home country. The program definitely exceeded all of my expectations and I had an amazing time abroad. The size of the program was approximately 23 students- which was perfect in my opinion. The program coordinators were extremely knowledgeable and always there when I had particular questions, comments, or concerns. I honestly have no complaints or particular weaknesses I would like to mention. The Education Abroad Network provided me with an out-of-this-world experience of a lifetime.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was in a beautifully, newly furnished apartment, 5 minutes from Fudan University in an enclosed securely gated complex. Since my apartment, in particular, was just renovated and painted, many small items were missing for the first week. However, the Education Abroad Network did a great job keeping on top of it and adding in the necessities as soon as they could. As well as living with fellow Americans, we had a local Fudan student, or Chinese buddy, living with us. Kathleen was extremely kind and definitely helped me out a lot- especially with booking flights and trips to other provinces in China. I felt extremely safe in our complex and had no particular issues with anyone. Our apartment was in close proximity to the Wal-Mart, University, and Line 10 metro stop- which was very convenient. Overall, the housing situation was great.

* Food:

Definitely try out the local street foods in Shanghai! Do not bother with the cafeteria. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Chinese culture, you must eat from the vendors that come out at night and make some of the most delicious types of foods- from dumplings, to fried rice and noodles- I have ever tasted. The food overall in China was phenomenal and definitely does not compare to the americanized version of Chinese food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

INNER MONGOLIA! One of the most amazing experiences in China by far. We spent several days in the inner mongolian desert, sleeping in yurts, riding camels, eating on top of sand dunes, going sand sliding and star-gazing, dancing around a large camp fire and racing dune buggies at the lake area. It was incredible and definitely an amazing trip TEAN (the education abroad network) planned for us. TEAN also hosted several get togethers- such as lunches or dinners with our coordinators within Shanghai, which was also very memorable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I definitely felt very safe throughout my time in China. Luckily, there were no particular health or safety related incidents in my program. However, I do advise everyone to be careful when crossing the street or riding bikes in the streets of Shanghai (and China in general). There is no concept of "right of way". Overall though, it is safe and I felt very comfortable.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I was able to not only practice Chinese in the classroom setting, but also with my peers in the program and definitely Chinese locals in all areas in China. I definitely needed to use Chinese to get by in most circumstances and not a lot of individuals spoke English. This is great because it forced me to assimilate into the culture and interact with Chinese locals.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are up for an adventure of a lifetime and want to experience life in China, I would most definitely recommend going through the Education Abroad Network and study in Shanghai or Beijing, China. You do not need to be fluent or even know the Chinese language in order to have an amazing experience abroad. There is so much to China has to offer and so many opportunities for exploration. Words of Wisdom: PACK LIGHT! You will most likely purchase a lot of souvenirs and other items from your time abroad. Also, come with an open mind and don't be scared to set out of your comfort zone and practice your Chinese with locals- they love it! Most importantly, HAVE FUN & TRAVEL! Whenever you get the opportunity, plan trips and excursions to see all the amazing places/sites in China!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Chinese Civilization

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This particular course was also very interesting and provided a lot of historical background of Ancient China and were it all began. The powerpoint presentations were informative and our trip to the Shanghai Art Museum was very entertaining. The Professor was extremely knowledgeable about the topics she discussed and I always felt well prepared for the midterm and final exam. Again, I participated just as much as I usually do at my home university and was able to voice my point of view on particular topics of discussion.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Beginner Chinese

Course Department:
Instructor: Sheng Fang
Instruction Language: Chinese
Comments: Beginner Chinese was another one of my favorite classes at Fudan University. Professor Sheng Fang did an outstanding job closely working with us on honing our Chinese language writing, speaking, and listening skills. It was a very interactive class and very entertaining. Sheng Fang did an excellent job engaging everyone in activities and providing extra support when needed.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

SINO US Relations and the Rise of Asia

Course Department:
Instructor: Professor Liu
Instruction Language: English
Comments: SINO US Relations and the Rise of Asia was one of my favorite classes at Fudan University. Professor Liu did an excellent job providing a lot of information and his own personal accounts on the important issues. The class was always entertaining and we frequently had open debates on certain topics. The group project was work intensive but a lot of fun putting together. Overall, the class was really interesting and definitely one I recommend for everyone- even if you are not a Political Science major, like myself.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Luxury Fashion and Marketing

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was extremely interesting and focused on the luxury business industry in China, and around the world. We did a lot of lectures and had two projects to complete, along with a final paper. We had the opportunity to explore Shanghai for our two projects and were able to take what we learned in class and use it firsthand. Overall, the class was very informative and provide new insight in the realm of fashion as a luxury aspect. I feel I have participated just as much as I do at my home university in this particular class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.