Studying Abroad in China: Semester in Shanghai Jiao Tong University
“Academic mobility at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China became an important and enriching stage of my studies, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of international business and to discover the culture of one of the most dynamic countries in the world.” Anastasia Atlasova, a second-year master’s student in the “International Management” program at the HSE Graduate School of Business, shares her experience of studying and living in Shanghai as part of an exchange program.
I chose this university for several reasons. First, it is one of the most well-known universities in China. It is also one of the top universities in Asia. Second, I have been interested in China for a long time. I wanted to better understand its culture, economy, and way of life. China plays an important role in the global economy and I wanted to see the country not only in books but in real life. Another reason was the city of Shanghai itself. It is a huge international megacity. It combines modern technology, skyscrapers and traditional Chinese culture. It seemed like a perfect place to study and live during the exchange.
My preparation for the trip started a few months in advance. I had to collect documents, apply for a visa, and choose courses. I also had to arrange housing. The process was quite clear because the host university explained all the steps in detail. Still, I felt a bit nervous before the trip. It was my first experience living abroad for a long time.
When I first arrived in Shanghai, the city made a strong impression on me. It was much bigger than I expected. There were huge skyscrapers and very unusual and diverse architecture. For example, in one place you can see an ancient pagoda, a European-style house, and a modern skyscraper next to each other. Shanghai reminded me of Moscow in many ways. The pace of life is very fast. The university campus also surprised me. It is very large and green. The area is quite big, so students move around the campus by bicycle or electric scooters. There is a library, sports fields, a large stadium, dining halls, cafes and even a hair salon on campus. Thus, students spend most of their day without leaving the campus.
The first weeks were a time of adaptation. Classes were in English, but in everyday life in China there was sometimes a language barrier. For example, it was not always easy to order food or explain something in a store. Over time, I got used to it because I was also studying Chinese in a language course. I also had to get used to some features of life in China. For example, there are many scooters on pedestrian roads. At first, this felt unusual. But gradually, I became much more confident in the city.
Studying at Shanghai Jiao Tong University was interesting and quite intensive. I chose several courses in international business and management. These courses complemented my master’s program well. The learning format was quite similar to what we have at HSE. Most of the work was done in groups. We worked on projects, prepared presentations, and discussed Chinese business cases. I especially liked the course on Chinese business law because we studied in detail the legal aspects of the stock market in China.
Many assignments were done in international teams. In my group, there were students from different countries. Everyone had different experiences and different approaches to work. Sometimes this made the process more difficult. But this is what made the work interesting and well-rounded. For example, in my marketing team there were students from Canada, Cambodia, Belgium and the Netherlands. In the organizational behavior team, there were students from France, Germany, and Belarus.
One of the most memorable parts of my semester was traveling. China is a very large and diverse country. Each trip gave me new impressions. One of my first trips was to the Xi’an city. I saw the famous Terracotta Army there. These are thousands of clay warriors that were created more than two thousand years ago. To be honest, I never thought I would see it with my own eyes. It always felt like something from a history book. But thanks to the exchange program, I was able to make this dream come true.
I also visited Beijing. I was lucky to see the Great Wall of China. Climbing the steps was not easy, but the view of the mountains was worth it. It is one of those places you really want to see at least once in your life. Another very unusual trip was to Chongqing. It is a huge city built among mountains. I visited the old district of Ciqikou. It has narrow streets, old houses, small shops, and tea houses. You can really feel the atmosphere of old China there.
The most impressive trip was to Zhangjiajie. This place is known for the mountains that inspired the creators of the movie “Avatar.” These stone pillars rise high into the sky and are often hidden in the clouds. The landscape looks almost unreal. Another very pleasant trip was to Chengdu. There is a panda breeding center there. I saw pandas in real life for the first time. These trips helped me see different sides of China. I saw ancient landmarks, big cities and unique nature. Most importantly, I talked to local people and understood their mindset a little better.
This semester was an important experience for me. Living in another country teaches independence. You have to solve everyday problems on your own and adapt to a new environment. I can definitely say that I became more confident. It became easier for me to communicate with people and make new connections. I also gained experience working in international teams. In the end, I better understood cultural differences. This is very important for my future career in international management.
My study abroad experience was very full and interesting. This semester gave me not only new knowledge but also many impressions. Studying at Shanghai Jiao Tong University became an important part of my educational path. I met people from different countries, saw China with my own eyes and gained new academic experience. My main advice to students who are going on exchange is not to be afraid of new things. At the beginning, it may be difficult. But over time, everything becomes clearer and easier. I also advise using all the opportunities that an exchange program gives. It is important not only to study but also to explore the country itself. These moments are what make the experience truly unforgettable.
