Most meaning, fun, eye-opening summer I've ever had! Past Review
By Chan Thai (Pace University) - abroad from 06/30/2016 to 07/30/2016 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Shanghai - Fudan University
First of all, thanks to TEAN I got to meet and befriended with 14 amazing souls who are now will be my life long friends. Overall, it does feel good to proudly say that I have studied and lived in Shanghai, China all by myself with minimal knowledge of its language. Everyday was a new day for me and everyday I learned at least 3-4 new things about myself, the Chinese culture, and this majestic city. It is true, reading about it is nothing the same as actually experiencing it. I learned from speaking Mandarin to cooking to navigating my way around the city like a local. I would do everything all over again in a heartbeat, everything was so worthwhile. I highly suggest this program to everyone. Remember, the only thing you will regret later is the thing that you didn't do.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
All of the classes, besides the language ones, are taught in English. The teachers are very nice and very resourceful. The classes are very informative and not as intensive as it might sound. The teachers know that it is summer so they still try to make the classes fun and entertaining. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The local TEAN staffs in Shanghai are friendly, helpful, and purely amazing. They take care of us from day 1 to the last day of the program. They answer messages instantly and always there if we need any help. Besides being our babysitters, they become our friends as well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
TEAN accommodation is one of my favorite thing in Shanghai. It is like living in a 5-star suite; the apartment comes with a ping-pong table, huge living room, bath tub, walk-in closet, etc. This accommodation is one of the reasons why I didn't want to leave Shanghai at all. |
| * Food: |
Shanghai people like to have their food fried, but there is always something for everyone. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I tried excursions, events, activities that I could find and I can say that I can be an immature Shanghai tour guide if needed. |
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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? | Just because the RMB is cheaper than the USD, it doesn't mean that you'll spend little money here. Shanghai is one of the world's most expensive place to live in so make good calculation before you spend. |
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? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 2 years of Spanish |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to speak it. You might think you're saying it incorrectly, which you are, but people will help you and that's not you get better. They're actually already impressed that you know their language. |
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? |
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? | Bring sunscreen, umbrella, and prepare to face heatwave everyday |
