242 study away students from 29 countries arrived on campus last week, a 45% increase from last semester’s study away cohort. The group includes eight visiting students from other universities, including Baruch College, Bowdoin College, Columbia University, University of Denver, Reed College, and Smith College. This semester’s study away cohort notably also includes 26 from NYU Abu Dhabi, and 30 students who are returning to NYU Shanghai for a second study away semester.
Nicolas Figueroa, NYU ’27, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, said even in such a short time, he feels his semester is heading off to a great start.
“The academic building is stunning, and I really enjoy being on campus and exploring all the different things to do around campus as well,” he said. “I think my favorite thing, however, has been the smaller class sizes I've encountered at NYU Shanghai, which makes learning feel more personal and fosters a stronger sense of community within the classroom.”
As for how he plans to spend his short time here, Nicolas says there are many cities to cross off his bucket list. “Unfortunately [I] won't be able to get to them all,” he said. “It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a country and culture I've never been to and experienced.”
The study away students will have plenty of opportunities to experience China’s diverse cultural destinations and natural scenery. NYU Shanghai’s Study Away Program regularly organizes trips for students around Shanghai and the surrounding areas, to boost their understanding of China. This weekend the students will head out on an overnight trip, with one group traveling to Nanjing and the other heading to Beijing.
The study away students were welcomed at the airport by a crew of Study Away Orientation Ambassadors, who helped them settle in. They learned how to do things the “China way,” navigating China’s apps for everything from shopping to food delivery to phone services. The students got to know each other, explored Shanghai on city walks, and went on a day trip to nearby Zhujiajiao water town.
Study Away Orientation Ambassador Jiang Jiaye ’28 led study away students on a city tour of Shanghai during orientation. “Seeing them enjoy the food and hearing them say the trip was really fun made all the effort feel worthwhile,” she said.
Another SAOA Mia Lin ’28, who calls both New York City and Fuzhou, China home, said she enjoyed helping incoming study away students get settled in. “Now I realize how brave some of my fellow classmates are, coming to a new country and having to adjust to so many things,” she said.
At last week’s University Welcome for Study Away students, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs John Robertson and Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students David Pe encouraged the students to try new things and make the most of everything Shanghai has to offer.
Robertson reminded them that while their academic course load will be rigorous, they should try to fully immerse themselves in a new culture. “Get out and experience culture shock, recover in our safe space here, and go out and find a new experience,” he advised them.
Pe advised the students to see their study away experience as an open door. “Sometimes we step through a door thinking it’s temporary, and it ends up reshaping our entire path,” he said. “As you all begin your journey here….try crossing into spaces that feel unfamiliar. You never know what kind of unique and meaningful pathway might open up for you."
Study Away Programs Specialist Milly Yin reminded the students that the semester goes by quickly and they should take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available on campus and in Shanghai. “The key to making the most of your experience is staying actively involved,” she told them.