An Experience I Will Never Forget Past Review
By Elizabeth Chung (University of Virginia) - abroad from 02/24/2018 to 07/07/2018 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Shanghai - Fudan University
What I really wanted to gain from this study abroad experience (as I had already studied abroad before) was the ability to really ingrain myself in one place for a semester and feel that I really assimilated to an area. I wanted to really get to know my local neighborhood and the people and the culture in it. The TEAN program really allowed me to do so by placing me in an actual Chinese apartment community, where I was living among other Chinese families on a street that was always lively and full of locals as well as internationals. The support I gained from TEAN to fully immerse myself was palpable. Furthermore, the excursions that TEAN took us on both to Beijing and Chengdu allowed us to fully ingratiate ourselves within these two very different cities, particularly very different from Shanghai. I was able to expose myself to some of the richest parts of China and the culture that accompanies that.
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. |
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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? |
The apartment that TEAN provides for students that choose that option is absolutely incredible. I felt that I was truly living a cosmopolitan Shanghai life, which is exactly what I wanted to accomplish while over there. |
| * Food: |
Food is so inexpensive in China, especially in the university canteen. Additionally, from the university cafeteria, you get a good insight into what local students are eating on a daily basis, which is both delicious and cheap. Additionally, there is such a rich food culture in Shanghai that is incredible to explore. There is always something new to try and it's so fun and exciting to experience. |
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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? |
The health insurance that we are required to get as part of the program was very easy to use and at a well-known hospital in the area, where I was able to receive excellent care. |
| * Safety: |
Shanghai is extremely safe and I never felt unsafe at any point. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program was everything I wanted and more. |
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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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 |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | How time is normally divided for students while abroad |
