Studying abroad in Shanghai and being far from home can be difficult at times, especially when you are half way around the world, but luckily I have been able to find a good support system here at East China Normal University. There is not one day that I am not occupied with something whether it's homework, a school event or even hanging out with my new friends. Life here at ECNU is very diverse and the university does a wonderful job in integrating its students. The majority of students are Chinese but there are a whole lot of foreign students from different programs. This has allowed me to meet people from all over the world and share experiences with international students.
I love living on campus because I can easily walk anywhere whether is to grab a bite to eat, go to class or spend time with friends. My schedule is set up in a way that I can go out and explore the city or study; I have class everyday for 3 hours, and it alternates between morning classes and afternoon classes. So far I am really enjoying school life here because back home I had to drive an hour to school, now I can just walk to class. Also I am able to attend more school activities such as sporting events, concerts, or can join groups such as the movie club or the Chinese corner, where I’m able to meet Chinese students, talk about their culture and learn how to cook Chinese food!
Overall college life in here China compared to the U.S seems about the same; Chinese students carry a similar routine like us back in the U.S. They study in the library, go to class, have lunch with their friends, play sports and go to parties, so for most of us it has been pretty easy to adapt to this new environment. ECNU has definitely been a home away from home and even though I am only here for one semester, it has been an amazing experience that I will never forget!
Katherine Guevara is the Fall 2013 CEA MOJO in Shanghai, China. She is currently a senior at the University of Houston.
I love living on campus because I can easily walk anywhere whether is to grab a bite to eat, go to class or spend time with friends. My schedule is set up in a way that I can go out and explore the city or study; I have class everyday for 3 hours, and it alternates between morning classes and afternoon classes. So far I am really enjoying school life here because back home I had to drive an hour to school, now I can just walk to class. Also I am able to attend more school activities such as sporting events, concerts, or can join groups such as the movie club or the Chinese corner, where I’m able to meet Chinese students, talk about their culture and learn how to cook Chinese food!
Overall college life in here China compared to the U.S seems about the same; Chinese students carry a similar routine like us back in the U.S. They study in the library, go to class, have lunch with their friends, play sports and go to parties, so for most of us it has been pretty easy to adapt to this new environment. ECNU has definitely been a home away from home and even though I am only here for one semester, it has been an amazing experience that I will never forget!
Katherine Guevara is the Fall 2013 CEA MOJO in Shanghai, China. She is currently a senior at the University of Houston.