Details

• China
• MAEXINT-24
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 3 months

1. Preparation

Application process tips: Start by researching about the courses that the university offers. And what is your truly motivation to go this specific university, city and country. Preparing for the semester abroad tips: Get in touch with other outgoing students, talk about whether you want to live together or not. Read the exchange reports of former students and also contact them to get some more detailed information. Book the flights at least a month in advance to Shanghai.

2. Accommodation

Fudan is located in Yangpu, a little bit far away from the city center. Shanghai is extremely safe. I personally would recommend staying in Jing'an, since there are a lot of restaurants and bars and it is the city center. I lived with another WU student in a private apartment, and due to some unexpected change of plans, we needed to find the apartment very quickly when we were still in Austria and we contacted the agency "Here", which was a safe choice but not cheap. If I could get back in time, I would have looked for an apartment directly there to avoid extra costs. So, my tip is to travel there at least a week before the semester starts, stay in a hotel and then go around searching for an apartment.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus of the School of Management is very modern and is new. The courses were extremely interesting and engaging. The main campus is also very impressive and has the best cantine. The teaching style is very personal, the professors know your name and you need to contribute a lot, since participation makes at least a third from your overall grade. One course that stood out was "Lean and Operations Management", the professor is the former COO from Bosch in China, and to get to know his insights was very impactful.

5. Every day life in the host country

Shanghai is very international and extremely safe. The public transport works super well, but we preferred to go around by DiDi (Uber), which is much cheaper than compared to Austria. Also, renting a city bike there is super easy and practical. Even though, it can be a little bit chaotic but you will survive it :) There is always something to do in Shanghai. From coffee shops to exquisite stores, museums, parties, restaurants and bars. There is everything from every culture. Even 2 Austrian restaurants. Fudan also offers many events that you can attend.

6. Testimonial

I don't want to sound cliché. But Shanghai and China overall were literally life changing. Everything worked so well there, and I adapted to their culture within days. The people I met there and all the trips we did together were more than special.