Shanghai: Stay On Your Toes Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was medium, teachers were slightly above average, methods were mediocre (memorization), and internships made us feel like we didn't have time to be teenagers/young adults.

On-site administration of your program

The administration was not up to par in Shanghai. There were internet issues, roommate issues that took too long to be resolved, and a few times they outright lied to us (see social and cultural experiences) The administration's saving grace was the assistant, who went above and beyond to accommodate us, even paying for packages with her credit card and accepting cash in return.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a Chinese roommate who spoke nearly fluent English, so we spoke a lot of English together. It was nice to have her to tell me what was acceptable in Chinese society, so I didn't make a fool of myself. A lot of extra items were needed when we arrived--wastebaskets, toilet paper, utensils. The dorm was fairly safe, except it was a pretty bad slipping hazard--all tile floors! Cab drivers knew the university, and it was about a 10 minute drive from nightlife and in a pretty safe neighborhood. Walking to class took 30 seconds.

There was a cafeteria on campus, but only one person dared to eat there more than once. Food surrounding campus is tasty and inexpensive, but very unhealthy.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

No one can be unsatisfied in Shanghai. There are too many things to do! But our administration tried to take us on a "camping trip" that turned out to be a backpacking trip, which requires a lot more exertion. The admin lied to us to get more people to go, which they did, and they were miserable the whole time. I like backpacking but I was one of the few that enjoyed the weekend trip overall.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

So, my admin couldn't find band-aids or neosporin-like-products in his first aid kit. Come on! Shanghai is a safe city, very little small crime, and people are unlikely to mess with foreigners. The campus was in a safe area, i never felt uncomfortable even at night. We needed vaccines to go to China, because Hepatitis C is still common there (so practice safe sex!) I had no problem accessing medications, there were pharmacies everywhere and there is a hospital within a 5 minute walk. I required no assistance from the program, but I advise looking up a few medical phrases before you go.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Most people spoke English on the program, although Chinese was encouraged. Some people tried to take a language pledge but in an act of astounding selfishness, other students made them feel uncomfortable until they stopped. The Chinese courses were useful, and we were forced to converse for about 90 minutes per week with a teacher in Chinese, beyond classtime. Also, weekly meals at which Chinese was required were a good tool for building language habits.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students
• Local Students

• the city itself
• the internship opportunity

• administration