Highlight of my college experience Past Review

By (Saint Mary's College of California) - abroad from 02/27/2017 to 07/06/2018 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Shanghai - Fudan University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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

The Education Abroad Network ( TEAN ): Shanghai - Fudan University Photo The Education Abroad Network ( TEAN ): Shanghai - Fudan University Photo The Education Abroad Network ( TEAN ): Shanghai - Fudan University Photo The Education Abroad Network ( TEAN ): Shanghai - Fudan University Photo The Education Abroad Network ( TEAN ): Shanghai - Fudan University Photo

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.

* 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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • People I met
  • How easy they made the study abroad process
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* 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 Adventurer
The 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.