Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Spring Semester is Shanghai Past Review

By (Chinese Studies and Business Administration, Trinity University) - abroad from 02/12/2014 to 06/06/2014 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - Intensive Chinese Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad came with some good experiences and some bad, but it was definitely worth while to learn about myself, and how I fit into China. Studying abroad actually shook up the plans I had for after graduation, so though it put me in a state of uncertainty, it made what I want to do and don't want to do a little clearer.

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.

I found the program challenging at first, but after getting used to the work load, I found I had a lot of free time. I chose to spend extra time with the material to get a better handle on it, but the extra time spent wasn't necessary to succeed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very capable!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Alliance provided amazing apartments for the intensive language students. They were definitely comparable to the dorms at Trinity.

* Food:

The area surrounding the dorms had endless restaurant options. There were even western restaurants, though a bit more expensive.

* 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)

China is cheap, especially food, but Shanghai can get expensive. Going out to nicer restaurants on the weekends and partaking in the night scene can add up really fast, especially with cab rides back late at night.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a budget for general guidelines and keep track of how much money you withdrawal. Monitor how much you're spending just so you don't look at your bank about two months into studying abroad and are shocked by how much you've spent.

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

The program enforced the language pledge, but our housing wasn't conducive to a language pledge. The Intensive Chinese language students and the 21st century students lived in the same apartments so we often interacted. The 21st century students didn't have a language so it was hard enforced half the students to only speak Chinese, while the other half could freely speak English.

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 1301
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? Hold yourself accountable to stick to the language pledge and make friends with the Chinese roommates (or make friends with local Chinese elsewhere) to put yourself in a Chinese speaking environment.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • Apartment quality
  • Location (Shanghai)
* What could be improved?
  • Language Pledge intensity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing comes to mind.

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!