A group of prospective international students visited campus for Admitted Student Weekend on April 24 to 26. Sixteen admitted students and their family members from nine countries arrived at NYU Shanghai for a first-hand look at NYU Shanghai’s student life and campus community in one of the most exciting cities in the world.
Students met with University leadership, explored campus and the Jingyao Residence Hall, had a picnic lunch on the quad, attended classes, and participated in a hands-on classes in dumpling making, papercutting, and Tai Chi.
Interim Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Associate Dean of Students Adam Ebnit said that the two-day visit gives prospective students a sneak peak at what attending NYU Shanghai could be like. “They can sit in on classes and connect with our students,” he said. “They also get out into Shanghai and start to understand what living and studying here could look like, and whether it’s the right fit for them.”
Sebastian Bravo Franco, a student from the US, said he was excited about the possibility of attending school on a different continent and all the opportunities to get involved in student life. “It’s really interesting to meet new people and a whole new culture and just being a global student,” he said.
Prospective international students were able to engage with current students and faculty and ask questions about student support and student life. Prospective parents also got a chance to hear directly from University leadership about resources for students on campus.
Munakhztul Tsogt, the mother of a student from Mongolia, said that her daughter became interested in NYU Shanghai after seeing student-made videos on social media about their campus experiences. “Today I found the school is even better than I expected,” she said.
Hilary Coley, an American parent who attended the weekend, said NYU Shanghai was her son’s first choice. “The campus is really impressive,” she said. “The facilities for such a small student body are really nicely put together. It’ll also give him the opportunity to be part of an international community.”
Chancellor Tong Shijun welcomed admitted students and their families, and spoke of the importance of international exchange in NYU Shanghai’s vision. “Students who attend NYU Shanghai will be expected to play an even more important role in today’s world,” he said.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students David Pe expanded on that theme. “The conversations between students from different cultures are essential to avoiding conflicts and building a shared humanity,” he said.
Provost Bei Wu underscored the importance of student-led research at NYU Shanghai. “You don't need to arrive as a research person,” she told them. “What matters is curiosity and the willingness to explore. It is part of your learning process—learning how to think through complex questions, how to deal with uncertainty, how to test ideas, and how to communicate what you discover.”
The students explored Shanghai on a city walk led by Associate Arts Professor of Interactive Media Business Emily Tsiang, while their family members strolled along the Suzhou Creek and Huangpu River scenic waterfront.
Pearl (Zhenzhu) Elbehairy, an Egyptian-Chinese student who grew up in Shanghai, said the weekend got her excited about a new adventure. “This feels like my dream college life,” she said. “The mock classes I attended today felt very different from what I’m used to in high school or tutoring. I believe my four-year journey here will be full of opportunities and adventures.”
For prospective students who were unable to attend the Admitted Students Weekend in person, virtual information sessions are available. Campus tours are also available for high school students interested in NYU Shanghai.