Details

• China
• MAEXINT-24
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Start early: visit the WU GoGlobal website and exchange fair, and connect with former exchange students on eg. LinkedIn. I highly recommend taking a Mandarin course before departure. Book flights 1.5 months in advance. Don't convert EUR to RMB in Revolut beforehand—you can not really use it. Bring cash (around 400 RMB) for mandatory Tongji student insurance upon arrival. Consider Hepatitis B vaccination and doing a health check-up. Bring an old smartphone as backup; new Chinese phones have EU restrictions. Most critical: install everything before you go. Get 2-3 VPNs (I recommend "Let's VPN" and WU VPN; "Surfshark" didn't work). Download essential apps: WeChat, Alipay, Amap, Didi, Trip.com, and 12306. Without these set up in advance, you'll struggle.

2. Accommodation

Follow the accommodation recommendations from the Tongji exchange office. I arrived one week early, stayed in a hotel, and searched for an apartment in person—this avoids extra costs and lets you see places directly. Focus on Yangpu District near campus; I stayed at "BaseLite" near Huangxing Park, a serviced apartment popular with other international students (in my case: many from germany). Tipp: Download the Shanghai Metro Map beforehand—it's essential for navigating apartment viewings. Shanghai is very safe. While traffic feels chaotic and noise from honking is common, cycling is surprisingly comfortable thanks to well-separated bike lanes.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is massive—business classes are held at the modern SEM building on the outer edges. Facilities are great, canteens are cheap and delicious. Don't miss the student club fair; I recommend joining the Travel Club or Chinese Traditional Arts Club. Courses are not difficult compared to WU and follow a first-come-first-serve principle—pay attention to the time difference when registering! Teachers are nice, and local Chinese students attend some classes. Attendance expectations vary (70-80% depending on the course). Be prepared for significant last-minute changes to course dates. I personally recommend "Chinese Business Negotiation" and "Survey of China" (the latter had very flexible attendance). If you want to maximize travel time, consider IMBA classes—they are usually completed in 4 full teaching days. Overall, academics are manageable and leave plenty of room to enjoy your time in Shanghai. :)

5. Every day life in the host country

Getting around is easy and cheap. The metro is efficient, and DiDi (Uber equivalent) is super cheap compared to Austria. Shared bikes are everywhere; cycling feels chaotic with scooters and cars weaving around, but you quickly adapt, and it becomes second nature. The city never sleeps. One day you're wandering through tranquil Yu Garden, the next you're in a hidden speakeasy in the Former French Concession. Food is an adventure—from steaming soup dumplings at a local hole-in-the-wall to rooftop bars with skyline views. What surprised me most: the green spaces. Huangxing Park and the Bund waterfront offer an escape from the urban buzz. Join WeChat groups early—that's where all the exchange student activities, spontaneous dinners, and weekend trips are organized. You'll never lack company or things to do!

6. Testimonial

My exchange in Shanghai was unforgettable—new friends from around the world, rooftop nights with skyline views, and seamless travel once I mastered the essential apps. I explored many cities by high-speed train and even made it to the breathtaking Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie. I treated myself to incredibly affordable spas and salons, and learned to embrace Chinese customs and food with an open mind. Six months later, I returned home with a fuller passport, a bolder palate, and friends scattered across the globe. Zàijiàn Shanghai! :)