Riskful! Past Review

By (North Carolina A&T State University) - abroad from 09/10/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

IES Abroad: Shanghai - Shanghai Engineering

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained language practice, the ability to plan and execute international trips, and life long connections with the staff in Shanghai.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Shanghai - Shanghai Engineering Photo IES Abroad: Shanghai - Shanghai Engineering Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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:

On campus food options are vast there are 6 canteens on campus that have multiple floors however once they close at 8 pm there are few options in the near vicinity off campus.

* 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? Yes

The program was chosen because it forced immediate discomfort. I didn't know the language or the culture much so I was able to absorb so much and learn and stretch myself.

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? 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? The best way to study a language is to use it, that means on people who generally can communicate on a level that is comparable to yours. Please do language activities in a group until you are comfortable having real conversations with native speakers.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Was located in the most populated city in the world.
* What could be improved?
  • Living conditions in the dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the school was far from downtown.

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.