When I arrived to China, I was surprised to hear that all CIEE students who needed to get a residence permit would need to partake in a group physical. I had thought that the visa process would be much like the American way, with lots of paperwork but loose health... Continue reading

I had a few reasons for taking a gap year: 1. I had worked very hard in high school and needed a break 2. I was interested in learning a language 3. I wanted to learn how to live on my own but I'm not sure I really knew what... Continue reading

Here in Shanghai, although I have friends, teachers, and a Chinese host family, I am ultimately on my own. I can choose to leave the house in the middle of the night to go get a snack or early in the morning to take a day trip, or I can... Continue reading

I love bubble tea! Also called boba, this sweet, chewy, delicious drink originated in Taiwan and has spread worldwide, although it is still not as readily available in America as I would like it to be. :(But in Shanghai, boba stands are everywhere! You can pick up a medium iced... Continue reading

This past week, during our week of vacation, CIEE took its students to one of three locations: Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Gausu Province. I chose to go to Taiwan, so early last Saturday morning, I found myself on a plane with 22 other CIEE students bound for Taipei! In total,... Continue reading

Hi! I’m Allana and I’m currently in Shanghai learning Mandarin as my gap year! I designed my gap year to be a “breather” year between high school and college: a time for me to take a break from the stress and bustle of school. Even though learning Chinese and immersing... Continue reading