Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Being a Student in Shanghai Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 09/09/2018 to 12/15/2018 with

ISA Study Abroad in Shanghai, China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I seriously improved my Chinese just by living in China for the fall semester. Not only was I more independent and creative getting around, I did so in Chinese. Many students speak English, but in almost all social interactions off campus, Chinese is the "Lingua Franca". It was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Excellent program for the first time travelling to Shanghai. The program arranges several trips and travel for you, which is immensely helpful during the first few weeks when a student is adjusting. The missing half star is personal preference: I felt that at times, Shanghai is an inconvenient choice of city as it is heavily influenced by western culture.

* 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?

It was difficult to get involved with local Chinese.

* 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

I think my program was well-conducted, but what I really want is to experience daily life in an environment with more concentrated Chinese.

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)

There are typically cheap options for most things in China, non-study abroad living expenses in major cities could be considered an exception.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Almost nothing.

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

I was able to use Chinese frequently in class, but during trips and on campus there were few native speakers, so English was often necessary and disrupted reliance on the native 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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chinese level 4
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? Definitely seek out time with native speakers outside of classes, which will most likely be foreign students.

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

  • 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?
  • Convenience
  • Travelling
  • On-site advisor
* What could be improved?
  • Location
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That making an account with a local Chinese bank is incredibly convenient! You can connect it to Alipay and WeChatpay for easy access to your account and exclusive access to local bikes and other services.

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!