Highlight of my college experience Past Review
By Claire Arakaki (Saint Mary's College of California) - abroad from 02/27/2017 to 07/06/2018 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Shanghai - Fudan University
I learned a lot about the global economy and cultural differences between Eastern and Western societies. I was able to meet people from all over the word and the country and learn things I never would have if I hadn't left my home university.
Review Photos
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Helped with anything and everything |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing TEAN provides in amazing and in a great location. Plenty of food and cafes around the ares for hanging out with friends and studying. |
* Food: |
Food was amazing |
* 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: |
Shanghai is a very safe city |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
TEAN made the study abroad process as easy and painless as possible. The staff was very patient and helpful with any questions and concerns I had before leaving. I had nothing but good interactions with everyone in TEAN. They made sure we settled into our host country by taking us to get a SIM card, bank account, class registration and even an internship if you wanted one. Orientation before school was a lot of fun and gives you the chance to make friends right at the beginning of the semester. While I was in China, I travelled with TEAN to Beijing and Chengdu. Both trips were expertly planned, and we were able to see most of the cities in a weekend. If you have the chance to go abroad, go with TEAN. 10/10 would recommend. |
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) |
Cost of living is cheap in china |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20-30 dollars |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at local places and not westernized eateries |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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? | High school |
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? | Practice with your housemates and interact with locals |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I wish I knew how Fudan University operated and a list of the best places to eat around the apartment. But its part of the experience and it was fun exploring the city |
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. |