Ever thought about studying abroad in Shanghai, China? Her Campus spoke to both Abel Flint ’15 and Michael Leung ’15 to get more details about what it’s like to spend a semester abroad there.
Her Campus: What made you decide to study abroad in Shanghai?
Abel Flint: I am really interested in learning about the Chinese economy. Shanghai, as the center of the Chinese economy, provides a wonderful classroom to learn in.
Michael Leung: My Chinese heritage. My main concern remains my ability to successfully communicate with family members, especially since my grandparents are getting older now. The culture is also a large part of my decision, along with my interests and majors of business and film.
HC: How is studying abroad academically?
AF: The academic courses are incredibly specialized and interesting. The intensive Chinese courses are 3 hours a day, four times a week and provide a small community to rapidly improve your Chinese proficiency.
ML: As Abel mentioned, the classes are incredibly interesting, introducing aspects of my major that I never could have imagined. Language classes, however, are very challenging, but also just what I need.
HC: What are some of the most interesting things you did so far?
AF: The most interesting thing that I’ve done so far is travel to Zhangjiajie, Hunan Provence. This is what the mountains of avatar were based off of. It was extremely beautiful!
ML: I have been to China on quite a few occasions so nothing surprised me, or nothing jumped out at me as out of the norm, though this isn’t saying I don’t find anything interesting. I get to actually live and stay in China for an extended period of time, this alone is enough.
HC: What are your favorite and least favorite aspects about studying abroad? What do you miss about not being home?
AF: One, I miss chipotle. Two, The food is incredibly cheap and tasty.
ML: I figured Abel would mention food, hahaha. I miss so many things, though when I go back to America I’ll miss the Chinese culture just as much. The food is something I miss, as much as I love the food here. I miss In-N-Out, good Mexican food (not chipotle), my car, my family, friends, and the ability to relax (there’s just so much to do here for me to just relax).
HC: Do you have any advice for people who want to study abroad in Shanghai?
AF: Don’t not study abroad in China because you lack Chinese proficiency. There are kids on my program who have never studied Chinese before and are thoroughly enjoying the experience.
ML: Don’t be stubborn. As much as I’d like to say “leave your ignorance at home,” most of us will have something to learn here, no matter how Chinese or American we think we may be. Try new things, and when you feel out of your element or uncomfortable, do not retreat into your shell. Adjusting to a different culture might be difficult, but an open mind will keep you consistently intrigued and away from homesickness.