Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Summer in Shanghai Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, Chinese, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/13/2012 to 08/13/2012 with

CET Shanghai

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained/strengthened a lot of social skills while I was abroad. Being in a country with a completely different official language (you can't understand the people, the roadsigns, the menus) forced me to adapt and learn so much. I didn't realize it until the program was over and I was back in the United States. It was definitely worthwhile. I had some of the best food I've ever had, and made of some of the greatest friends. Cheesy, but true.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Super convenient dorm, docked two stars for the CRAZY amount of construction that went on all day for the last half of the program.

* Food:

It's not the worst cafeteria food. It's very cheap, and very convenient. Once you figure out what you like, it's really not so bad.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never really felt like I was in particularly unsafe places. There are always tons of people around, and if you're careful you will be fine.

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)

Cafeteria food was cheap, and food in China is generally cheap and SUPER delicious.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No

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

I used a lot of Chinese, but there were some students that didn't use it much at all. It really depends on your willingness 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? CHI 320K, CHI 320L, and CHI 325K
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?
  • the students
  • chinese roommates
* What could be improved?
  • organization of the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Study hard, but not ALL the time. Homework can occasionally take the backseat if you've got a great plan that involves you going out to experience the city.

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!