Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A very culturally enriching and educational experience. Past Review

By (Finance and Financial Management Services., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/24/2014 to 06/09/2014 with

CIEE: Shanghai - Business, Language, and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Language and Culture wise it was! I definitely needed that exposure to learn more and understand more!

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? No

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? Less than $30 per week!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It really depends on where you go, but in China, the USD goes a looonggggg way!

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

Enforced ALL THE TIME!

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? CHI 412L
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? Talk to anybody and everybody!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • Weekend and Weeklong trips
  • Chinese teachers were amazing!
* What could be improved?
  • Internship program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Internships were basically assigned instead of having us apply and actually find something relating to our degree. I would have researched a little more on the companies looking for international interns.

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!