A New Perspective in Shanghai Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Mandarin Classes were excellent for a beginner like myself. The small class sizes meant a lot of one-on-one time with the professors and a great learning environment. My other 3 classes were all Econ and ranged in difficulty. Remember, these professors speak English as a second language; it will certainly be a new learning environment for most and one needs to adapt and understand they have chosen to study abroad. Overall, excellent classes.

On-site administration of your program

My program had an admin named Felix, she was amazing! If you have any problems, concerns, or just want to talk she was available and eager. She also did an amazing job taking us 20+ students around China for our group trip.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were very good. It was one other American student, a Shanghai native, and myself in a newly built dorm room. We did have to take a bus or walk to class but this only allowed for new experiences and seeing a different side of Shanghai. The beds were in private rooms and we shared a small "living room". Compared with Umass dorm living, it was luxury!

The food was one of the best aspects of being in China in my opinion, but not everyone would agree with that statement. I loved exploring exotic foods and the freshness of everything was amazing. I crave real Chinese food every day!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is difficult since I was a beginner Mandarin speaker, but I managed to integrate myself in a few different ways. For instance, I became a "buddy" with a Chinese student who would be coming to Umass. This allowed me to meet his family and friends and spend some time at his home. I think you can become integrated if you are willing to put in the effort, but it is extremely easy to spend the entire time in your comfort zone with American students and speak minimal Mandarin. Hopefully you choose not to.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I fortunately didn't have any real health issues. Pollution is an issue for everyone and everything in China, but this is avoided with a simple mask when necessary and exercising indoors. We did have many health issues though and they seemed to be addressed and taken care of with no real problems.

I never felt unsafe even in peculiar situations. Just be smart and travel in groups if possible. China is very safe in the physical harm realm, but pick pocketing and thieving is common. Again though, I never felt unsafe.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

So the reality here is that China is very cheap. Use the locals to learn how to travel for the least amount and where to shop/eat. The issue is that the Americans you travel with will have a large range of disposable incomes. It's difficult to not go on all the adventures and traveling that the more well off students want to do, but be smart and budget.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The program tries very hard to get you to use Mandarin, again though, it really comes down to personal desire and drive.

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• Dorm
• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans

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• Americans

• Group travel
• Program Admin

• More Integration

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