Shanghai Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The educational system was similar to the one in the US, it just lacked multiple levels in normal classes which posed a challenge in learning. Classes (other than language) met once a week and had quite a few readings each time. There were a few papers and projects throughout the semester but most things were due at the very end of the semester. The grading system was a bit different. Only 30% of the students in the class were eligible to receive an A. Overall, a good portion of the information, while from a different perspective was not new to me, but was interesting. The Chinese language class was very helpful, improving my speaking, and I got a lot out of it meeting every day.

On-site administration of your program

They were very knowledgeable and helpful and I felt comfortable approaching the staff for anything. The program size was rather large. They were very organized and efficient, things went right on schedule, and overall it was a good environment.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in international student housing. Guards were posted at the entrance so it was very safe. The housing was across from Fudan's North Gate and next to the Shanghai University of Finance and Economic's South Gate, though it was still about 30 minutes of a walk to class in either one. It was also about a 30 minute walk to a subway station. Shanghai's subway system is pretty efficient so it was easy, if time consuming, to get anywhere including nightlife. Sheets were provided, but other items such as cookware needed to be purchased. Some items were obtained from the program, donated by previous students.

For vegetarians in the program it was very hard for them to find food. The food was good, but often times whether it was supposed to be spicy or not was questionable. There's not a lot of variety. Well, there is a variety, but it's mostly all paired with noodles or rice. There were a couple of great restaurants right around Tonghe that we went to. The street food at night had a fifty fifty shot of making you sick, but the daytime stuff was pretty good. In all though, real Chinese food is great and eating Chinese food anywhere else in the world is never the same when you come back.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The language partners weren't really helpful in this, and many of us felt like the Fudan students didn't actually want to talk to us.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program helped with any health issue you had and was ready and willing with recommendations and support. I had to make several hospital trips, and while I may not have agreed with the doctors, the cost and coverage was great and much more reasonable than in other places, such as in Europe.

Other than pickpockets, which are a problem in many abroad destinations, Shanghai is very safe.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I withdrew money once a month. Eating out was the same price as cooking. Something being 'expensive' was about $10. What I spent in China the whole semester was about what I spent in Europe for 1 month.

While I did not necessarily learn much new, speaking Chinese every day in the classroom setting helped improve my speaking and my confidence. Practicing every day was helpful not only for necessary day to day activities while abroad, but also for general language improvement. Chinese was necessary in day to day activities. Fudan is located in Yangpu, and in the areas around it, people aren't too likely to speak English in the restaurants, shops etc except for in the more popular areas like Wujiaochang (and maybe not even then). Fewer people spoke English than I expected, or at least everyone let us talk to them in Chinese because it was easier for them. The students of course do, but general people around town and the older generations are less likely, especially outside downtown.

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• Apartment

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• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The directors did take a personal interest in everyone. The Chinese course was useful and the best part of the semester was the trip to Taiwan.

• The courses need to be more varied, and a little more challenging.