My Exchange at Fudan University
Exchange Report
Discovering the 360 International Exchange Programme
I found out about the 360 International Exchange Programme on the university’s official website and in promotional materials from the Study Abroad Office. This programme provides us with the opportunity to exchange and study at internationally renowned universities, and I was immediately attracted to it, especially when I saw that I could go to Fudan University for exchange.
Feelings when I first arrived at Fudan University
When I first set foot on the land of Shanghai and felt the busyness and vitality of this metropolis, I was both excited and a little nervous. The campus of Fudan University is full of the fusion of history and modernity, and the warmth and thoughtfulness of welcoming new students allowed me to quickly adapt to the new environment.
Accommodation
I lived in a flat near Fudan University. The flat is well-equipped and convenient, with many shops and restaurants nearby, making my life very convenient. The environment of the flat is quiet and perfect for studying and resting.
Orientation Activities at Fudan University
Fudan University has arranged detailed orientation activities for new students, including campus tours, course introductions, and cultural experience activities. These activities not only helped me to quickly understand the campus environment, but also helped me to meet many students from all over the world.
Curriculum and Teaching Quality
Fudan University offers a wide variety of courses with knowledgeable professors and flexible teaching methods. However, compared to the New Zealand teaching style, Fudan University focuses more on theoretical teaching and a lot of reading tasks, which was a challenge for me. Although there is no language barrier, it takes some time to adapt to this teaching style.
Impressions of Shanghai
Shanghai is a charming and energetic city with modern skyscrapers and well-preserved historical buildings. It has convenient transportation, public facilities and a variety of cultural activities, which added a lot of fun to my exchange life.
Cost of Living
Compared to Auckland, the cost of living in Shanghai is relatively low. The cost of food, transport and entertainment are all reasonable, allowing me to enjoy a high quality of life here.
Extra-curricular activities
At Fudan University, I have actively participated in various extracurricular activities, such as cultural exchange clubs, sports events and trips. These activities not only enriched my extracurricular life, but also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and customs.
Campus Life
Fudan University has a colourful campus life and a strong learning atmosphere. The library, sports ground and various student organisations provide good support and help for our study and life.
Food and Drink
Shanghai has a variety of food, and there are many restaurants and food stalls around the school, which can satisfy my taste, whether it is Chinese food or food from other countries.
Highlights of the exchange
The highlight of the exchange was building deep friendships with students from different cultural backgrounds and learning a lot of new knowledge in the process. It was also an unforgettable experience to explore the unique charm of the city of Shanghai.
The Challenge of Exchange
Although there was no language barrier, the teaching mode of Fudan University was a challenge for me. It was necessary to adapt to a large number of theoretical studies and reading tasks, but through exchanges with professors and classmates, I gradually overcame these difficulties and improved my academic ability and independent learning.
Advice for prospective exchange students
My advice to students who are considering taking part in an exchange programme is: be brave to try and take an active part. Get to know the culture and living habits of the destination in advance and be prepared psychologically. During the exchange process, keep an open mind and actively integrate into the local study and life, which will be a rare opportunity for growth and learning.
I hope this report will be helpful to future exchange students, and I wish you all a smooth and happy exchange study!
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
Presented in a difficult course and got an A at the end.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
Badminton at Fudan University
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
1. Treat people with kindness and respect for teachers (China is more concerned about honouring teachers)
2. Adapt to mobile payment
3. Learn to use local social media
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
Enough to make an account book to plan your spending wisely
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
Learning about teaching models in different countries and being exposed to different theories of teaching and learning provided me with sufficient experience of practical theoretical knowledge for subsequent research in pedagogy.