Studying Abroad in Shanghai? TEAN is a MUST!!

I studied abroad in Shanghai this past spring semester, and I absolutely LOVED IT--it was one of the most valuable and thrilling experiences of my life. Shanghai offers a unique combination of cultural history and rapid modernization. Each day in Shanghai, there was something new to explore; I wish I could spend another semester there!

What made the experience truly over the top was deciding to go with The Education Abroad Network. From my first interest email to help choosing classes in Shanghai to showing me around the city to now requesting Fudan University transcripts, TEAN has been there to help me out every step of the way. TEAN, in partnership with UVA, also offers a unique Chinese language program that is limited to students in the program, so classes are only about 5 people. When we went back to our apartment, we could practice what we’d learned with our local Chinese roommate. We lived in an incredible TEAN apartment that was perfectly located between Fudan University and the metro station, which connected us to the rest of Shanghai. Some of my favorite memories, including hiking the Great Wall at sunrise and eating famous spicy hotpot in Chengdu, were thanks to the TEAN organized trips. Going abroad, especially to China, can be a little nerve-wracking, but TEAN staff made me feel prepared and supported throughout the whole process.

Living in Shanghai challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and explore somewhere new. I had the opportunity to study at one of the top universities in China, practice my Mandarin on a daily basis, immerse myself in a completely different culture, and develop friendships with people from all around the world. However, transitioning to a new place does not come without its challenges, which is why I am so grateful to have gone abroad with TEAN, whose staff was there to help me every step of the way. During my time abroad, Shanghai truly became my home and the TEAN students and staff became my family.