Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The greatest thing I will ever experience. Past Review

By (Arizona State University) - abroad from 02/23/2018 to 06/10/2018 with

China Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What didn't I gain from study abroad? I learned a lot about myself, about what makes me happy, what motivates me. My confidence, independence, and curiosity increased. I now have insatiable wanderlust. My Chinese skills improved greatly, and I got many important transferable soft skills (communication, adaptability, etc). It was completely worthwhile. I wish I stayed for a year.

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.

The classes I took had manageable work-loads, allowing me to have the free time to explore Shanghai! I also participated in an internship for credit while I was there which was an incredible way to interact with the host culture in a different setting than I would have had the opportunity to otherwise. The internship I participated in also bolstered my work and professional experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The international dorms were very nice, roomy, and climate-controlled. They were conveniently located on campus. You will have to deal with communal bathrooms.

* Food:

Oh man, it's China. The food is spectacular.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The internship definitely bolstered my social and cultural integration, as this is where I primarily interacted with Chinese people and learned and adapted to their culture outside of night markets or my teachers.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

CAPA has people that are fluent in the language of the country you are studying abroad in, so if you need to visit a doctor, they provide you with people that can help escort you through the process.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

CAPA has incredible independence adaptability. You can tailor this program to suit your own needs and interests. Due to this, I got the perfect study abroad experience: exactly what I wanted. Also, CAPA was an affordable choice as an out-of-state student, as its fee was cheaper than my out of state tuition! Also Colin Dragon, the CAPA Shanghai program representative was one of the most incredible individuals I will ever meet.

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)

China is incredibly affordable! I spent money going on excursions and attending events.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? China is incredibly affordable. In addition to this CAPA provides pre-paid public transportation cards so I never felt hindered by money when want ing to explore the city.

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

There were varied language levels present, and many did not speak any of the language so using the language was not necessarily encouragedthroughout the program

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? 102
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? Have no shame. You have to put yourself out there and talk to locals, that's the only way to get better! And you will probably never see them again so there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Adaptable Independence levels
* What could be improved?
  • The internships could be more organized.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take every opportunity you can, you never know if you'll get the chance to do it again.

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 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.