I had to go abroad as per university course requirements. I first started my research and involved my career advisor who is also on campus, and helped a lot with finalizing the formalities of going abroad from my school.
Alumni Spotlight: Ollie Lennon
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Oliver is currently living in Newcastle, he loves traveling, spending time with friends, and now enjoys learning Chinese because he looks forward to the day he speaks in fluently.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
Go Abroad China did manage to give me all the important things: getting my study visa didn't present any problems, I got picked up at the airport in Shanghai since it was my first time there anyway. I think the weekend activities can be even more organized.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Not to be scared and enjoy China because once you are there and studying everyday, time tends to go by very quickly. Within no time you will realize you are already preparing to go back to your original school after the summer holidays.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
I had around 20 hours of class time per week, which was definitely a lot since I went to summer school and expected it to be a little less strict. But actually, it was fine in the end and I had a blast learning Chinese with 20 something other classmates from a lot of different countries.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?
Going to China for the first time was of course something I really thought about and got nervous about, but strangely enough I wasn't shocked as I had predicted. I was worried about life since I didn't speak Chinese, but actually Shanghai is so modern, the Chinese there speak English.
What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?
Being in Shanghai and learning about the city, its hang outs, history, new locations and other little nooks in the city with new friends was a great experience for me.