Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pretty interesting Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/14/2016 to 08/14/2016 with

CET Shanghai

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about cultures outside of the US and how to live with a local roommate. The cultural exchange was an interesting experience. I think this kind of experience would be more worthwhile to Americans who are completely foreign to eastern Asian culture, as opposed to someone like me who is an ABC and can "blend in" more easily.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Commute = 30 yuan per week and food = 120 yuan, avg 150 yuan per week = $24 per week

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chin 30A
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
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • food
  • roommate was incredibly sweet and helpful
  • many things to do
* What could be improved?
  • orientation drags on a little too long
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how intensive the workload could be. I thought before going in that I would be able to handle having an internship on top of classes, but it still took more time and energy than I'd expected.

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!