Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A unique experience to learn about yourself, China, and how to speak Chinese! Past Review

By (International Relations - Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/27/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - 21st Century City

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a huge amount of confidence, as well as an appreciation for and awareness of cultural differences. Plus, my Chinese is so much better!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Chinese classes and activities in particular were amazing, and my Mandarin proficiency level improved dramatically for just one semester abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our housing arrangements were very nice and safe, which was great, but there are a few downsides to living in an International Student dorm. We had to make a conscious effort to integrate ourselves with the culture, but once you leave the international bubble it's very easy.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The on-site staff were fantastic about addressing health issues and helping us navigate the Chinese healthcare system.

* Safety:

I felt safer in Shanghai than I do in most American big cities. Once you master the bus and subway system, the whole city is your oyster.

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)

Food and transportation is generally very affordable in China, as long as you stay away from the Western/foreign restaurants and supermarkets! The only big expenses were buying cooking supplies and household necessities at the beginning of the semester.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chinese 202 (4 semesters of Chinese)
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? Force yourself to get out there into the city, and not just with huge groups of other study abroad students, who are going to want to speak your native language. Make friends in your host country and make an effort to spend time with them.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Chinese roommates!
  • Chinese speaking activities
* What could be improved?
  • Enforce Chinese-speaking areas and times better
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Study abroad is meant to challenge you - it won't be easy right from the start! But if you put yourself out there are pursue interesting and exciting opportunities, you will have a great experience.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!