Shanghai became a second home Past Review

By Paige Scrivener (University of Tennessee - Knoxville) - abroad from 08/31/2015 to 05/27/2016 with

IES Abroad: Shanghai - Economy, Business & Society

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

The biggest skills I gained was improving my confidence and learning how to quickly adapt. China is a country in constant flux and Shanghai is very fast paced, but I proved to myself that I could do it. I could live abroad. Not a day goes by where I don't miss it.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Shanghai - Economy, Business & Society Photo

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.	IES Abroad did a good job of providing pretty interesting courses, but still allowing for a manageable work-life balance. The most intense class was definitely the Mandarin language class, but all the teachers found ways to keep it fun as well. The biggest challenge was adjusting to different teachings styles native to China and also getting through the 3 hour long courses. Overall, I learned a lot from my courses, but still had plenty of time to travel and get to know the city of Shanghai, itself.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The staff was very kind and helpful, but there were several moments where I felt there was some miscommunication. The biggest issue was with visas. Before you go to China, try your hardest to get a multiple entry visa. I recommend going through a third party visa provider. If you don't get one, then you have to go through the frustrating process of trying to get one in China. My biggest complaint is that the IES staff didn't help us handle that. Instead, we had to go to the visa office by ourselves and navigate the language barriers. I feel like a lot of time and energy could've been saved if they coordinated a trip together to the Visa office rather than leave us to do it on our own.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Boy, were we spoiled. The apartments couldn't have been in a better location. We were within walking distance to a convenient metro line, and we could walk to the Bund. The apartments also had a decent gym, pool, and sauna.
* Food:	I didn't really eat on campus, but Shanghai is heaven when it comes to food. Being an international city, you can not only sample food from all over China, but also cuisines from all over the world. There are also lots of apps (city weekend, smart shanghai, bon app) that post about new restaurants and deals. Plus, there is nothing like authentic Chinese food. If you're lucky enough or choose to stay in a homestay, homemade Chinese food is hard to beat.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Your language partner can become your new best friend. We would go out to eat and explore Shanghai together. I highly recommend challenging yourself and branching out beyond just making expat friends. If you want to have a worthwhile experience in China, make local friends.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I did have some health problems, and the insurance provided is very extensive. Don't be afraid to go to the doctor if you need it. Healthcare in Shanghai is sometimes even better than at home at certain hospitals.
* Safety:	China is incredibly safe, and I never felt in danger while living abroad. In fact, I felt safer abroad than even at my college campus. That being said, be careful with scammers, pickpockets, and fake alcohol. That's pretty much the worst of your worries.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes Previously, I had participated in a summer program in China that was so intense, I didn't have time to get to know my host city. IES fosters a healthy work-life balance and I had so much more time to travel and explore. Amazing experience.

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)	Shanghai, compared to the rest of China, is expensive. If you're not careful, you could be reckless and spend all your money just on going out, cabs, and food. Take public transportation, walk instead if you can, go to events that offer free drinks and deals, and eat local Chinese food.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Eat Chinese food and occasionally splurge on international cuisine. Cook at home. I would grocery shop and make my own meals sometimes. There are lots of free events going on. Smart Shanghai always posts about stuff to do around town. If you drink, don't ever spend money on alcohol in those fancy clubs. Family marts have water and adult beverages for way cheaper, and you can drink on the street.

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	We lived with other, mostly American, students, but I still used my Mandarin every day. They don't force you to use it, but you still have plenty of chances.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Advanced Chinese II
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?	Utilize your language partner. Spend as little time in your comfy, english speaking apartment with your roommates. Get out and go to a coffee shop to study. Travel. I used my Mandarin the most when I traveled outside of Shanghai. Coordinating travel plans and checking into hotels requires you to speak.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans 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?	The city The history Getting to travel to some worthwhile places
* What could be improved?	Better visa process More cooperation with students in planning events I wish classes ended earlier than the program date. You're so busy that last week that it's hard to enjoy your last week in Shanghai
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I don't have a lot of regrets, but I do wish I networked more. Post grad, I would love to move back over to that region of the world. I should have networked a little more aggressively and made more job connections.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Business Practice in China
Course Department:
Instructor:	Daniel Krassenstein
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Amazing class. Fun and engaging, and it even managed to fly by despite being over 3 hours long. Every week, Dan would invite guests speakers who spoke candidly about their personal challenges about thriving in the business world in China. Manageable course load and a breath of fresh air.
Credit Transfer Issues: