Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Shanghai Spring Past Review

By (International Business Law, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/21/2015 to 05/18/2015 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - International Business in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was more than anything I could have expected. Never had I been more uncomfortable before, as I was in a country where I could neither understand the language fully, nor could I express myself accurately. It was as frustrating as it was immensely humbling. Alliance made my experience in Shanghai was it was, as the students and staff I met made the city feel like home in a country that looked nothing like home. The lessons I've learned, the places I've traveled within and outside of China, and the friends I've made this semester have become indispensable to my development not simply as a student, but as a person.

Personal Information

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.

* 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?

* 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? No

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
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? None
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? CHIN30
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? It gets very easy to get yourself in a bubble, especially with such a close-knit group like Alliance, and especially in an international city like Shanghai. So you have to take the initiative to try to speak the language constantly.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • People
  • City
  • Organization
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Buy VPN before going to China.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.