Testimonials

The Fudan University American Scholarship Program was an excellent opportunity to experience a different culture while connecting with students from across the U.S. From walking through the traditional water villages in Zhou Zhuang to watching the lit-up skyscrapers on the Pudong Bund, we were able to witness the old and the new China. Our experience was not limited to sight-seeing, though; we took lessons in Chinese language that helped us interact the people. We had a lot of fun opportunities; including traditional painting, calligraphy and tai chi. I especially enjoyed learning how to make pork dumplings from scratch. As the program progressed, we made a lot of close friendships. A lot of us felt like a close family members at the end, and we still keep in contact.

-- David Ari Marzban (Pepperdine University)

 

It’s hard to find words to describe my time in Shanghai. Living in China was wonderfully different. Life was refreshingly new and exciting. Normal situations like taking the bus or going to the store for food were suddenly an adventure. This program allowed me to study under some of the most respected professors in China. While I was living there I was able to experience some of the complexities of the culture first hand. This program gave me a better understanding and respect for China.  I was able to walk up the stairs to see Sun Yat-sen's mausoleum. I visited the building in which the Chinese Communist Party had their first national congress. I talked to people who told their side of the story of the Cultural Revolution as well as people who explained modern life in the growing superpower. I ate beef tongue, pig's brain and chicken feet. I held a Little Red Book in my hand. I went to one of the most prestigious schools in China. The program was a life changing experience.

-- Sarah Lawson (San Diego State University)

 

I must admit, flying into Shanghai for the first time was a little bit intimidating. I was about to dive head-first into an experience with completely new customs, politics, culture, and a language I did not speak. So while this change was a little scary, I can say with complete confidence that it has been one of the best experiences of my life. The Fudan Program made it easy for us to explore China on our own, while at the same time gently guided us on excursions to places I would have never known about. As if that wasn’t enough, this wonderful first-hand experience was supplemented with classes taught by some of Fudan’s best. From Traditional Chinese Society to the Fine Arts of China, we were able to learn about new topics each day—and always something to fit our interests. If there is one thing that I regret—it’s that I could not stay longer!

-- Gretchen Johnson (University of San Francisco)

 

Testimonials

(1)  The Fudan University American Scholarship Program was an excellent opportunity to experience a different culture while connecting with students from across the U.S. … (more)

(2)  It’s hard to find words to describe my time in Shanghai. Living in China was wonderfully different. Life was refreshingly new and exciting… (more)

(3)  I must admit, flying into Shanghai for the first time was a little bit intimidating. I was about to dive head-first into an experience with completely new customs, politics, culture, and a language I did not speak... (more)