Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Summer of my Life Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/13/2016 to 08/13/2016 with

IFSA/Alliance: Shanghai – Summer in Shanghai

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've learned to become more independent, to take steps outside of my comfort zone, to make unlikely friends, how to navigate a city on my own, and how to respect and participate in a different culture.

Review Photos

Alliance for Global Education: Shanghai – Summer in Shanghai Photo

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.

The classes are very relaxed and although you learn quite a lot, there is not a huge workload involved.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Amazing support from the Program Administration, they are so kind and willing to assist with anything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing is nicer than most housing on college campuses.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ended up being sick during the program and had to go to the hospital. The hospital was very clean and everyone spoke perfect English. It was very comparable to the care I received at home.

* Safety:

I felt safer in Shanghai than I do in any city in the US.

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

Alliance did a great job making sure that we were getting the most out of our study abroad experience. After listening to other study abroad students in Shanghai, I can confidently say that I choose the program that has my best interest at heart. Alliance made sure we experienced China in a hands-on way that fostered curiosity and appreciation.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy fruit from the stores, just buy it from the fruit vendors on the street.

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? Beginner
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? 3rd level
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 make mistakes, everyone is patient and will help you learn from your mistakes. Cab drivers make for the best language practice.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Cultural Integration
  • Traveling Opportunities
  • Close-knit family of students
* What could be improved?
  • More language immersion for non-language intensive students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had brought more towels. I also wished I had brushed up on my Chinese before I went.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.