Shanghai Study Abroad

NYU Shanghai StudentsThis has been the most enjoyable time of my life and easily my favorite semester of college. I would highly recommend this NYU study abroad site to anyone considering studying abroad. It is NYU’s only site in Asia and is a clear contrast to the other study abroad sites. I didn’t know what to expect and came into the program not knowing anyone. I just knew that the site in Shanghai was the newest option at the time and had only been around for a few semesters. I didn’t even know anything about the city. Looking back, there wasn’t any information I lacked that would have drastically changed my experience here. The staff and available information online were both great in providing insights to the semester abroad. If you are considering this program, be sure to choose off-campus housing. It is slightly more expensive than on-campus but well worth the perks. Apartments are either 3 or 4 bedrooms and include two bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, and a balcony. These apartments are in a full service building and have housekeepers that come in to clean twice a week. It is only a 15 minute ride to campus by moped or bus, and NYU provides a shuttle in the mornings. If you’re easily culture shocked, then be prepared for Shanghai. The food, sights, and smells are all going to be different from what you’re used to. Most public places and local restaurants don’t have western toilets, but use squatters instead. People with food restrictions are going to have a more difficult time as vegetarian and dishes without pork can sometimes be hard to find. Shanghai is a large city and there are a lot of things to do. Off-campus housing is located near Zhongshan Park and is an awesome location. The park itself is big and contains amusement rides, and lakes. Shanghai itself is most famous for The Bund, which is a strip along the western side of the Huangpu river that is home to most of Shanghai’s rich history. These historic buildings contained many hotels and banks. The view from The Bund is amazing as well because just across the river is Shanghai’s Pudong Economic Development Zone. Home to two of the world’s tallest buildings and soon to be the location of a third. Shanghai’s most expensive residential properties are located in Xintiandi. This recently converted neighborhood houses a shopping mall, cinema, bookstores, restaurants, and cafes, giving it an almost European feel. Prices in this area are priced high, even by international standards. Shanghai also has the world’s first commercial mag-lev train as well as the tallest bar in the world in Jin Mao Tower. I’ve been here 3 months now and there is still so much I have to see and so many places I have to visit. I am staying another week past the program and I know that it won’t be enough.