Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I learned so much, grew so much and had a wonderful time. Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 02/04/2012 to 06/15/2012 with

Boston University: Shanghai - Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that living abroad is exhilarating and that Shanghai is more interesting in New York in many ways. It was totally worthwhile and I would do it again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

* 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? 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't save money. It's your once in a lifetime chance at living as a student abroad!

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? 3 semesters of Chinese
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 worry about sounding silly or making mistakes; you just need to go out there and speak it in order to learn.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International 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?
  • Being exposed to the diversity of China and travelling around the country
  • Living in a realy authentic chinese neighborhood with the perks of cheap food and tuk tuks!
* What could be improved?
  • If there were more classes offered..
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That China is very diverse, and Shanghai has a large and great expat community with great events.