Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fun but with a few problems / Shanghai - Summer in China Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 06/16/2013 to 07/14/2013 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Reviews from Former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about international business and I even learned some Mandarin. I learned that China was not what I had expected but it was better than I thought it would be, I absolutely loved Shanghai and I really Love Beijing.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

I did not have any issues but I had many insurances

* Safety:

Watch when crossing the streets in China.

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? I am not sure. Laundry was expensive however.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you check about laundry prices!

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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 the people around you in there language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Great Wall
  • Courses
  • Night/Social Life
* What could be improved?
  • Laundry Prices
  • Organization (Saturday Trips)
  • Price
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew we would have to pay for laundry.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.