Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

spontaneous Wonderer Past Review

By (University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign) - abroad from 09/12/2014 to 06/06/2014 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - 21st Century City

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've learned so many things about me, about my strengths and weaknesses. I was able to learn everything that I wanted to learn about the Chinese culture and more. Everything from bad to good was worthwhile. I would definitely do this program all over again. I met some of the greatest friends.

Review Photos

Alliance for Global Education: Shanghai - 21st Century City Photo Alliance for Global Education: Shanghai - 21st Century City Photo Alliance for Global Education: Shanghai - 21st Century City Photo Alliance for Global Education: Shanghai - 21st Century City Photo Alliance for Global Education: Shanghai - 21st Century City Photo

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?

I love having a Chinese roommate. She was able to help me fully immerse into

* 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? 200 kuai
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There are a lot of food vendors around the area that is absolutely cheap and accessible. Don't worry about not knowing English too because they have pictures.

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? 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? 202
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't be scared about sounding dumb. Constantly use the language no matter what and really utilize it while you are abroad.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The study tour
  • The language component
  • The Chinese roommate
* What could be improved?
  • Have 21st century also do a language pledge
  • Integrate classes with Chinese students
  • Move involvement with the Chinese community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to pack as much.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.