It all still feels like a dream! Past Review
By Ling L (University of Massachusetts - Boston) - abroad from 02/19/2014 to 07/04/2014 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Shanghai - Fudan University
I used to be one who would freak out when Im lost. On this trip I learned how to pay closer attention to my instincts, and out of all of the times I was lost exploring my way around China, I was able to witness and experience wonderful things that I probably would have missed out on if I sticked to the path.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was able to interact with the professors both inside and outside of the classroom, which I thought was extremely useful. It aided me in adjustment to my new cultural surroundings. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
As a part of the program, I was housed with a local chinese roommate who spoke both fluent Mandarin and English. There where numerous times throughout the semester where I would knock on her room for help. Having someone who knows the place inside and out, on hand at any point of time made me much more comfortable moving to a country where I did not speak the language a less nerve wrecking decision. |
| * Food: |
There is so many different types of food to try! When I traveled to different parts of China, I noticed they had different versions everywhere. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Everything in China is relatively inexpensive when it comes to living wise. I would say, be a little more conservation on nights out and stick to local food. Everything viewed as "foreign" could be quite expensive over there. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| 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? | This is a prime example of practice makes perfect. Talk to locals, even if you can only say hi. You will definitely pick up on other meanings and they'll enjoy practicing their english too. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew the extent to which I was going to miss China. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
