Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES., SUNY - Binghamton) for

SUNY Binghamton: Shanghai - Chinese Business Language & Culture at Fudan University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This study abroad program was very disappointing in every aspect. The students' level of understanding of the language and culture was uneven. Therefore, half of the students left the program with barely any educational benefit because the courses were too hard for them, and the other half left with dissatisfaction because the materials were too easy. Being in the latter half, the program provided no materials that I have not heard or seen before. Despite the fact that I have not been back in 11 years, the program succeeded in providing limited learning opportunities for me to gain a further understanding of my home country.

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?

Tonghe International student village <br /><br />

* 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

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? $1400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? none

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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? do not expect too much.