Details

• China
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

The application process at WU is pretty straightforward. Before your interview, you should know why you chose your preferences in the application process and be able to clearly state why. Before going to China you should download: Wechat, Alipay (bind a creditcard) and Amap. You won´t need to bring cash. Shanghai has an excellent public transport system and a good cycling infrastructure for your daily commute.

2. Accommodation

I didn’t have accommodation when I arrived in Shanghai, and it took me about a week to find one with the help of some local friends. I stayed in a private dorm (~3800 RMB), about 10 minutes away from the university (by bike). I highly recommend talking to Remi (WeChat ID: Sabrina89648951) or Kendy (WeChat ID: kendy_qiu); they handle multiple apartments and private student dorms in Shanghai at different price points, they’re flexible and accommodating. All of Shanghai is very safe, even at night, and there is no need to worry about petty theft either.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus facilities are incredible, but the different campuses are quite big; as such, it is convenient to bike over campus or buy an e-scooter. The teaching style is more oriented toward practical teaching and real-life examples, which is a refreshing change of pace from WU. All of the professors I got to talk to were always open for questions or to help out with any other issues that might come up. I recommend the course: BUSINESS LOGISTICS —— DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA, taught by David Martinez Navarro; it encourages a global perspective and focuses on current business cases and economic issues. David Martinez Navarro is an amazing lecturer with real-world global business experience.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport: 8/10 public transport is great, but Shanghai is a huge city so it might still take some time to move around safety situation: 10/10 also at night and for women (fighting is strictly prohibited 0 tolerance by the police) social/leisure activities: 10/10 Shanghai is huge and full of cheap or free activities events: 10/10 Shanghai is a global city no matter what your interest is you will find something that fits your interests sports options: 9/10 the University offers free sport facilities Gym, Tennis courts, Basketball courts, Football pitches etc.

6. Testimonial

I had a great time! Chinese people are very kind and usually excited to talk to foreigners (even if there is a language barrier). I travelled a lot during the semester breaks, which I highly recommend, as Shanghai is a very international city, and usually most other places in China provide a more direct insight into Chinese culture. My exchange was special because I tried to say yes anytime a local person suggested doing or seeing something, which led to many fun and unexpected experiences and unusual places!