Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most challenging yet refreshing time of my life Past Review

By (Rollins College) - abroad from 08/23/2016 to 12/18/2016 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - International Business in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Study abroad taught me to be comfortable in my own skin, it taught me to be kind and patient and be my own person.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff in Shanghai are extremely dedicated to ensuring your time abroad is fruitful, experience full, safe, challenging and exhilarating

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived apartment style a few minutes walk from the University, each person had their own room

* Food:

There is quite a bit of variety in the area, there are American and CChinese food at close proximity to the accommodation.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Chinese culture requires some research in order to know what you are expecting, but overall its a positive experience

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The English speaking hospital is quite far from the area, but the staff are extremely helpful and attentive in the case of a medical issues

* Safety:

Shanghai is safer than the US!!! the only thing i would say is that pick pocketing is more common

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Shanghai is a HUGE city, it has so much to offer that i think i missed a lot of it. Fear, hesitation didn't let me do the city justice.

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)

Shanghai can be lived in extremely cheaply, you can each three full meals under $10 dollars a day depending on what you want to eat. However western foods will generally be more expensive

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead, be smart, the things can add up quickly. Stop converting things to dollars because the little things add up

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

We had a no English policy in our Chinese language classes

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? 302
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? Don't be afraid to speak to locals, practice your language, be bold and don't be shy

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Staff at Alliance
  • Food
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • More interaction with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I should be bold.

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!