An introduction to the environmental and sustainability issues facing China Past Review
By Robert W (Tongji University) - abroad from 08/05/2013 to 08/23/2013 with
China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
The course gave me a very realistic insight into many topics of immediate relevance to the sustainable development of China. Yes, very worthwhile, and provided an ideal springboatrd for 3 months of work I subsequently undertook.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The content was not particularly difficult but it was all novel, interesting, thought provoking and specific to the course, i.e. "sustainability in China" |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I fou d the course well organised. The pre-course information and assistance was most suitable. The organisers arranged a full but diverse and well timed program and were able to biuld some flexibility and change into the schedule to suit ehe participants. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were booked into a clean 3 star business class Chinese chain hotel, very close walking distance to the University, 2 subway stations, shops, restaurants cafes and bars. Breakfast was included as optional. |
| * Food: |
Mostly group dining at local Chinese restaurants (whic I like!) but with penty of choice of local and western dinig close to the venue and on campus. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Each day was spent in and around the Tongji University environs, so a very authentic local cultural experience. We had presentations from several local academics, also several introductory Chinese language classes. The rogram also included visits to local businesses and project sites, and opportunities for sightseeing, nightlife and touristy excursions. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We were give plenty of information aout local health services (covered by international travel insurance) plus support and advice in the event of sickness or emergency. |
| * Safety: |
Shanghai is generally a very safey city fr foreigners, thoiugh there are a few "scams" that one must be alert to. The organisers of the curse, during induction, gave plenty of practical advice on maintaining safe behaviour. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Very easy if you are careful about entertainment expenses, which can be quite expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Aust $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Avail the meals provided by the course, especially lunch and dinner. Local food is generaly very cheap, whereas western fod can be relatively much more expensive. Use the Shanghai subway system whenever possible - very cheap. Use taxis sparingly but whenever necessary (e.g. late at night) - though still quite cheap. Alcohol in bars, restaurants and nightclubs can be quite expensive - if you do like to drink, the alcohol at convenience stores is very cheap. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The course gave quite a few hours of introductory Chinese (Mandarin) classes |
| 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? | Intermediate Mandarin |
| 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? | If you are keen to learn some Chinese first, then take some introductory lessons at home, find an online course, or subscribe to the "newbie" level on chinesepod.com |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Who the other participants were going to be and what their focus of interest was |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
