Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Great End of Summer Past Review

By (Theater, Rollins College) for

Rollins College: Shanghai - First Year Field Study: China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think that this program was worthwhile, and I really enjoyed myself. I learned a lot about the culture in Shanghai, but I do wish I could have seen more of the country. I always intended to take Mandarin in college, so this program encouraged me to continue, and I'm planning on taking some Asian studies and history classes now, also.

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.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

It was hard to find foods that were on my diet or that didn't make me sick. Advice to future students: Bring foods with you until you know how you will react to things.

* 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

Finances

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Over the course of three weeks I spent about $300, mostly on food, but also on tea and souvenirs for friends back home.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to always have small bills with you (20 yuan or lower) in case you have to take the Metro or go someplace like that, and usually carry enough to pay for anything you might want.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It was an amazing program. Be ready to do the work, but the experience you get from it is worth it.