Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Semester in Shanghai was Superb Past Review

By (DePaul University) - abroad from 09/01/2018 to 01/12/2019 with

WorldStrides Study Abroad in Shanghai, China

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to gain a new perspective on various subjects thanks to my professors, begin learning a new language, and acquire experience in what it's like to study, work, and live abroad. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Fudan University is a very diverse in its international student population, as well as its English course offerings.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The off campus housing was in a great location.

* Food:

The food in China is amazing but finding your go-to places takes some time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I spent the most time with the other people in my program. It was a bit hard to meet local students since there were not that many in the classes taught in English.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any issues.

* Safety:

I felt very safe walking around Shanghai, even at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I really enjoyed living in the off-campus apartments on Da Xue Lu, attending Fudan classes, and my internship placement. This was only made possible because I chose to go there with TEAN.

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)

There was a lot of cheap food that you could get if you wanted to save money. However, the cafeteria food was the best option for this.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $70-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend eating at the small noodle shops.

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

We had classes quite four days a week.

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 in Mandarin
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? Make sure to set aside time for studying because it's easy to get swept up by the pace of the program.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The city of Shanghai
  • Fudan University
  • My internship
* What could be improved?
  • Fudan University's student visa procedures.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Chances are, you cannot leave the country if you have a student visa (it is one-time entry).

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!