Studying Abroad at Shanghai University Past Review
By Stewart L (International/Global Studies., Centre College) for
Shanghai University: Shanghai - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes. It was always easy to talk about how much I missed the US and wanted to be in the US, but no matter how ridiculous and different it was, it was pretty amazing.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Shanghai |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
From my experience, Chinese people can understand english fairly well, but very few are actually above what I would call proficient in speaking english. The classes were not as engaging because of this inability to fluently speak english, and I feel that there was a bit of a barrier between teachers and students. I also was not accustomed to their methods of teaching and grading, so this was another barrier to be overcome, especially since there were not many graded assignments throughout the semester. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Any problems we had were quickly and efficiently handled by the administration. They also put a lot of effort into having us involved in extracurricular activities. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Each student had their own room, and for 4 rooms there were 3 sinks, 3 toilets, and 2 showers. <br /><br /> It was very nice and accommodating. It was also very close to a shopping center, convenience store, and metro station. |
| * Food: |
Overall, it was like anything else. You would order things you may not have liked sometimes, but there was never bad service or anything concerning served to you. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You get to do whatever you choose to do, so it's ultimately up to how each person uses their time. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
We were moved to a dorm before arriving because of mold, and some were moved again because of health problems after arriving. Throughout the entire stay, the only threat I heard of or experienced was pick pocketing, and that happens anywhere. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Depends on where you eat. Meals can range anywhere from 50 cents in the cantine to being just as expensive in america. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | None. Everything is really cheap. It's just very easy to buy a lot of things just because of how cheap it is. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is what you make it. |
