Deeply Exploring China with Great New Friends Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/24/2016 to 12/17/2016 with
IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - International Business in China
Academically, I learned about China's business culture and economic state. Personally, I gained a love for traveling, appreciation for independence, am more accepting, and love meeting new people! It was so worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
4 days a week of Chinese language learning, the Finance course was challenging as well. Professors were very helpful. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Incredible Senior Program Assistant Zhang Yingyi. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
You have a single room within a 3-room apartment however the room's walls molded from the rain. |
| * Food: |
Many food options, a close by cafeteria, or cheap eats right outside the dorm. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Please pay attention to your phones and purse. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Incredible low cost to eat and travel in China. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Anywhere from $50-$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook for yourself if you have a kitchen. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 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? | Speak with the locals! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Bring more Winter appropriate clothes! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
