Brandon Studied on the CIEE: Shanghai, China in a global Context Program.

What specific factors influenced your decision to go abroad?

I have been trying to learn Mandarin Chinese, and I was excited about the possibility of surrounding myself with the language to solidify the basics I had learned in the classroom, here at Penn State.

What was it about your program specifically that fit your personal goals over other programs?

The program I chose was in a major urban center at one of the country’s best universities. My program was half language, half social science- a perfect mix to complement my studies.

 

How have you used the skills you learned abroad now that you are back; either in job searching, or in other activities?

My ability to speak the language has greatly improved, and employers are very keen on not only multilingual abilities, but also in candidates who have studied abroad more generally.

 

What advice would you give to outbound study abroad students to help them make the most out of their study abroad experiences?

Find a friend or roommate who is willing to travel with you, and if the trains are as cheap to use as China’s are, go everywhere you can!