Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Gateway to China Program Past Review

By (History/Poli Sci, Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge) for

Tongji University: Shanghai - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
of course it was.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Capitol Normal - Beijing
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There were several English Language classes and several of the native students spoke English. The courses offered were high caliber and demanding, but well worth it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They hosted us very well and we were introduced to a large amount of culture and some GREAT food on top of our academic programs.

* 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

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

Language acquisition improvement?

A good number of people spoke English, but when dealing with day to day issues of restaurants and shopping, the natives spoke Chinese.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Learn an adequate amount of the language before going to aid in your ability to get around.