Keen on TEAN! Past Review
By Tim W (University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 12/24/2012 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Shanghai - Fudan University
I learned a plethora of things about China, its people, and myself. I had the greatest time with the greatest people, and would HIGHLY recommend this program to others. Amazing friends, great food, and unforgettable adventures are almost guaranteed.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes remained engaging and challenging. I particularly liked the opportunity to study alongside Chinese students, and would highly recommend experiencing Chinese academic life. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very accommodating to foreign students. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing arrangements went beyond my expectations. I was very pleased with the spacious and comfortable apartments that we were set up in. They were a perfect distance from campus in a nicer part of Yangpu. |
| * Food: |
The food was incredible and inexpensive. One of my favorite parts of my semester abroad. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The housing situation helped us feel more integrated with Shanghai-ren. Living in a residential apartment complex near stores and restaurants made it feel very authentic. Our Chinese roommates helped us with aspects of the culture as well. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I needed to see a doctor twice during the semester and had no problems doing so. The system is certainly different than in America, but the whole process was relatively simple. It helped having my amazing Chinese roommate with me for the first trip, but the hospital I visited later was easily navigated on my own. |
| * Safety: |
I felt completely safe in Shanghai and near Fudan. Mind your personal belongings and you will be fine. |
| 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) |
Can easily spend less than $25 a week on food with the help of Fudan's cafeteria. Street food was not much more and significantly better (in my opinion). There are plenty of opportunities to spend money, but being frugal is very doable in Shanghai. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~$50 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how much I would come to love China. I would have read more before hand to familiarize myself better with the culture and history. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
