Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Amazing Few Months in Shanghai Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/28/2019 to 12/15/2019 with

CET Shanghai

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had so many meaningful interactions with so many people. I had so many opportunities and so much time to see so much of Shanghai as well as other cities and areas. My language improved so much and I am so grateful for this experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed my class content but often found it difficult to stay engaged in three-hour lectures. Some course readings I really enjoyed and other I did not find as stimulating. One of my classes provided integral context and information for my time in Shanghai.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone running the program was lovely! I felt constant support and loved the outings we went out on to explore the city. Everyone was kind, warm and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My room space was really tight but it was really nice to be in the same dorm as everyone else on the program. Our room had its own bathroom, and there was a communal microwaves and hotplates at the end of the hall.

* Food:

Donghua University has such good food! There is so much variety and it is all delicious. Try everything you can!

* 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)

Food is generally very affordable. The majority of my meals (with non-alcoholic drinks) were around $3-4 USD. My more expensive meals ended up being $10-12. Both in the campus canteens as well as off campus food was generally affordable. CET is great and they will reimburse students for cultural activities, including museums, movies, scenic spots, amusement parks, etc. For many activities almost the full amount would be covered

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

Every morning we would have Chinese class! Aside from that there were lunch-language activities and we would speak in English and Chinese with our roommates!

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? One class beyond my schools language requirement
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
  • 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?
  • The local roomates
  • The food
  • The many opportunties to try new experiences
* What could be improved?
  • Course materials
  • Access to professors
  • More out of dorm spaces available
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How many different emotions, experiences, and changes I would go through

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.