Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Shanghai in a Nutshell Past Review

By (Spelman College) - abroad from 09/05/2017 to 12/11/2017 with

IES Abroad: Shanghai - Economy, Business & Society

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile as I gained so much from being abroad for the semester. I learned a lot about myself as well as my host culture and I'm truly grateful for the experience!

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?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Since I've already experienced that part of China with that specific program, I would definitely change the location if I were to do it again. However, because I enjoyed the IES program so much I would likely choose to do a different location with them.

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)

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? Intermediate
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? Chinese 2
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? Don't be afraid to speak!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Cultural Immersion
  • The Food
  • My Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • Increased Language Immersion
  • More Scheduled Weekend Trips
  • More Money On Transportation Card
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to download a VPN in the states! And also to pack lighter!

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!