Activities and Opportunities
Student Life
As part of the Orientation, students are introduced to Shanghai University students who speak English and are eager to meet Americans. They act as “cultural interpreters” to help American students learn about Chinese culture, university and student life in China, and to join students in activities if mutually desired. A Weekend Homestay Option enables students to go home with a Shanghai family and spend one night during the weekend. This is a great way to learn intimately more about Chinese culture and to make friends and acquaintances in China.
Housing is in foreign student dormitories on campus. On the Yanchang Campus, students have private dorm rooms with private baths in a building adjoining the classroom building. On the New Campus, students share a dorm suite, usually with three private dorm rooms and a shared bathroom and living area. The dorm rooms on both campuses are each equipped with an air conditioner, heater, television, and desk and lamp for studying. Students eat meals in on campus student cafeterias and off campus at nearby cafes. SU clubs, activities, and sports are open to all students and they are encouraged to join.
Alumni Feedback
“I have benefited from this study abroad experience academically and personally. I have improved my Mandarin language skills and have a better understanding of the business and new developments in contemporary China. In terms of personal gain, since this is my first time studying abroad and living in a dormitory, I felt especially excited. It was a good chance for me to expand my horizon and learned to get along with other people.”
- Betty Leung Ting Cheng, Baruch College/CUNY
“This was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I learned a whole new culture first hand, which enabled me to see Chinese people in a different light. Shanghai is a lovely city and one of the safest. One just needs to be vigilant as always”
- Evancia Imbert, Medgar Evers College/CUNY
“I had an amazing time on this program and now see myself there again and perhaps long term. The program overall was good.”
- Kira Sigal, Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
“I learned that it is important to travel: only then will one get first hand knowledge of people and their culture. It was very worthwhile. I was studying, but I was also exploring. I would definitely recommend the program to other students because it will broaden their horizons, but students must acquaint themselves with the language before travel.”
- Natlee Hall, Medgar Evers College/CUNY
"I had an amazing time on this program and know that it was definitely worthwhile. Having a chance to explore a new and beautiful city, while learning about the nation, was a wonderful experience that I would recommend whole-heartedly to others who want to see new things and start with an open-mind. I know that I gained more than I realize – I am more appreciative of Chinese culture and learned that there is much more than a one-sided American view of things.”
- Jeanne Hwang, Cornell University
"I definitely gained lifelong friends. I liked having a small group because it was easier to get to know people better. I felt like I improved in my Chinese proficiency big time. It was worthwhile to go to China because my major is Chinese culture’s language and I got to experience all of this while I was there."
- Lindsey George, Washington College
"What I gained from this experience is more than I can write down. However, I can say that I have seen how studying in China has opened my eyes to something greater than myself. Being able to bridge differences through spending time with Chinese nationals and talking. I learned more doing this than anything else."
- Cheo Rochelle, University of Maryland
"I loved China; my over-all feelings about my experience are positive. My view of the world and my country has expanded enormously."
- Natalie Meyer, University of Idaho
"The best thing about CCIS is that it provides an inexpensive way to go to China and receive credit while doing so. Being in China is awesome; that is what is benefiting me."
- Peter Litman, Richard Stockton College
"The experience was very enriching, definitely worthwhile. I not only learned through school, but more through the students I taught, the friends I made and the fellow program members. One thing is for sure: The people in the program make the trip. We had a variety of students, different ethnicities, likes, dislikes, hobbies, specializations, and religions. Wonderful, I was never bored. It was like being in a U.N. of students. I would, and will, recommend this program, and the whole study abroad experience."
- Mary Jane Bensick, College of Staten Island/CUNY
"The China study abroad program was one of the most worthwhile experiences of my life. I got to see life and the world from an entirely different perspective. Studying the language was a lot of fun, and through exploring China I saw things I never thought I'd see."
- Patricia Quan, Baruch College/CUNY
