Amazing Spring Semester in Shanghai Past Review

By (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/12/2016 to 06/04/2016 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - International Business in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Chinese improved immensely. I learned a lot about myself and China. Made a lot of good friends.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes are not tough, but the teachers are really interesting and you end up learning a lot about China by the end of the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

You are given an American roommate and a Chinese roommate, which is an awesome living arrangement. My Chinese roommate was extremely helpful with getting adjusted to life in China.

* Food:

The food in Shanghai is amazing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I got to meet Chinese people all around Shanghai and on all of my trips all around China.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Administration was very helpful in making hospital appointments if necessary.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe in China.

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)

You could live off of about $10-$15 a day if you want to stay on a budget.

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

Using Chinese was always encouraged, but not mandatory.

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 105, 5 semesters
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? Make at least one trip to a city where very little english is spoken.

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?
  • The food.
  • Shanghai
  • The other students
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? China is very different from the United States.