this sounds like a very cool year. though.. man, make money for college. I'm so broke all the time its not even remotely funny, and I would kill to have an extra $5,000 a year.

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say something worthwhile.

An EXTRA 5000? HA! In my opinion I'll know success when my bank balance has four digits in it.

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yeah I know, but I got $10,880 in student loans this year, and that will not be enough. NOT ENOUGH. crazy, hey?

hate on the real world.

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say something worthwhile.

ooh...2 months journalism in shanghai...sounds interesting, fresh and new.

I know... work experience, culture shock and global relevence all at once!

I have NO idea what to expect. Slightly scary. Nay, very scary. But also really exciting.

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You could say thanks, or spread news of my undeniable greatness

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Well, some words of advice: I guess you ought to expect a city akin to new-york but where hardly anyone understands english, you'll find a very stark contrast between the poor and the rich areas. Be weary of pickpockets - they are extremely skilled and you're not likely to notice anything missing until it's too late.
The exchange rate is very favourable right now, and when you buy things, you're EXPECTED to haggle - most of the stuff is marked at least double the price.
Chips at fast-food restaurants tend to be disproportionately expensive, you'll also find that unlike here in the west, large fast-food chains like McDonnalds and KFC are regarded as more middle-high class establishments. Due to the exchange rate you can easily stuff yourself without hurting your wallet.
Lots of things to look out for in Shanghai, enjoyable place. Watch out for those annoying road-crossing-assistants or whatever, they're usually at the busier cross-roads herding people across the road at the right times - they are odd creatures, usually moody and have whistles seemingly permanently attatched to their mouths, they'll wave their flag at you and blow their whistle angrily if you try to cross the road at the wrong time. It's best to just stick with the main crowd of people also trying to cross the road, that way you don't get run over by the crazy taxi-drivers.

Gah, haggling. I love the concept, hate actually doing it. Especially in another language. But thanks for the advice, it's the most intelligent stuff I'd heard from a long line of know-most-of-it-alls.

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You could say thanks, or spread news of my undeniable greatness

Ceci n'est pas une autographe...