Study Abroad at Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics (JUFE)

Through this program I was able to pay regular tuition and fees at my university while studying at JUFE. I took only language classes and managed to take an online course at my home university. The language classes are generally 2 hours a day for 2 or up to 3 times a week. I learned a lot of Mandarin during this time. Some of the teachers were real helpful. I got close to one teacher who invited me and my friends to go hiking in nearby mountains, drink tea at traditional tea houses, and make dumplings. I had a great time with my teacher and classmates during these times. Also, JUFE offers students the opportunity to apply for a Pair-Exchange family, which is like a host family, but we only meet whenever we have time after class. This family was real nice and offered to take me shopping at local markets.

The staff at JUFE is excellent and very helpful. In the beginning students are paired up with local student volunteers. These volunteers were really helpful in getting us settled in or helping us purchase flights to travel in China and back home.

The dorms were great! International students live in a separate building from the local students, which is basically a hotel at the university. These are closed off to the public because they require a special key to get on these floors so you know you are only sharing that space with other international students. Each student gets their own bathroom and spacious bedroom.

If you wish to volunteer, ask the JUFE staff about Nanchang Cares for Kids. They are an organization of expats who work with Ford who do several community service projects throughout the year.

Although I did not enjoy the humid weather in the summer months, Nanchang was a great city to see. There is so much construction in the new downtown areas, I can't wait to see how much it will change in a matter of a few years.