Alexis Zerafa, Integrated Digital Media Major. Study Away Site: Shanghai

“It’s surprising how similar New York and Shanghai are.”

NYU Tandon School of Engineering student Alexis Zerafa studied away in Shanghai during fall 2016. An Integrated Digital Media major, she chose to document her time in Shanghai on film. Here she shares her favorite memories - and video - of living and studying in the city.

I wanted to do everything in my power to remember my wonderful experience studying away at NYU Shanghai, so I made monthly videos of what I had been up to in and around the city.

I have compiled clips of my favorite moments from Shanghai, Beijing and Zhujiajiao that I was lucky enough to catch on film. When juxtaposed, it’s surprising how similar New York and Shanghai are.

My favorite part of being at NYU Shanghai was definitely meeting an unbelievable amount of amazing people and having the privilege of getting to know them.

I also got to explore the artistic underground of Shanghai, had some of my film work featured in Shanghai Art Week, visited some amazing food spots, and saw breathtaking skyline views of the city from the Bund.

I am so glad I decided to take the initiative to go abroad, and I highly recommend NYU Shanghai for anyone who is looking to experience the global aspect of our university. I know I’ll definitely be back again in the very near future!

Undergraduate students can study away in Shanghai for a January/summer term, a semester, or even a school year. We also have a summer Chinese language immersion program. To find out more about studying away in Shanghai, visit our website or contact the Global Affairs team at shanghai.globalaffairs@nyu.edu.

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Emma Quong, Media, Culture and Communication Major. Study Away Site: Shanghai -- “My study away experience swept me off my feet.”

Justin Scholar, Film/TV Production Major. Study Away Site: Shanghai -- I didn't know how life-changing it would be.”