Amazing Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/21/2019 to 12/14/2019 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai - International Business in China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about Chinese culture and I really felt like one person rather than two split between American and China. Definitely worthwhile I'd recommend studying abroad!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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:

was not provided

* 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

I wish I could go to a program that had me learning in actual Chinese college classes rather than separate classes with my American friends

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don't be afraid to cook your own meals :)

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? 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? CHIN 29a
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 just try it out :) people are always really friendly

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?
  • Helpful administrative staff
  • location
  • Housing with local student
* What could be improved?
  • teaching staff/classes
  • orientation
  • housing with American students that were already friends before
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? the classes are held with other American students, not in an actual Chinese college