Welcome to Shanghai
Understanding identity abroad is important—regardless of whether or not you think it will play a role in your own experience. While we strive to create and maintain programs that support students of all races, religions, abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations, you also play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for your peers navigating aspects of their identit(ies) in a new country. The information and resources on this page serve as a starting point to help you understand experiences you or your CET classmates may encounter while abroad.
Cultural Climate
Race & Ethnicity
China has a long history as a racially homogenous country, and the average Chinese person is not surrounded by the racial diversity that exists in the US. As a result, you may hear insensitive comments or notice some staring, but these instances can mostly be attributed to the lack of knowledge about and/or exposure to people of other races and ethnicities rather than malice. For heritage learners, there has been more increased understanding and interest in the experiences of ABC (American-born Chinese) students. Generally speaking, locals are enthusiastic about foreign tourists and study abroad students learning about their culture and language—and now even more so after borders re-opened in 2023.
LGBTQ+
Though only heterosexual marriages are recognized by the government at this time, Shanghai locals (especially educated young people) have been the most open to LGBTQ+ issues and individuals within contemporary China. This is obvious within Chinese-language media, literature, and social media. Donghua University (our host university in Shanghai) is an especially LGBTQ+-friendly campus and could be considered one of the most progressive in the country.
Gender
In regards to the topic of gender, the focus is mostly on equality between the sexes. With a traditional patriarchal society, male favoritism still subtly permeates Chinese culture in many ways. But in metropolitan areas like Shanghai, progress towards gender equality has become a mainstream issue due to economic development and CCP-led government policies.
Religion
There are five religions officially recognized in China: Protestantism, Catholicism, Islam, Taoism, and Buddhism. There is little knowledge of or exposure to other religions in China. Chinese people—while not usually religious themselves—are on the whole very open to religion and generally interested to learn about different faiths. It is a fairly common occurrence for foreigners to be asked about their religions. Proselytizing is illegal in China, but personal religious observance and practice is fine for foreign students. Worship services are available for most major religions in Shanghai, with many churches offering separate services for local Chinese attendees and foreign attendees. Some churches require a foreign passport and others may require registration through a WeChat app to attend.
Cost of Living
The day-to-day cost of living in Shanghai is generally on par with most cities in the United States. However as with any major Chinese city, this can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle. Imported food, personal care, cosmetics, and medication is often more expensive than they are in the US. Check out a budget sheet to get an idea of what life in Shanghai might look like financially for you.
Accommodations Abroad
CET makes every effort to offer accommodations comparable to those of your home institution. Disclosing early helps us to make proper preparations and work with you to determine if a program will be a good fit. We recommend that you use the following details to inform your decisions and conversations with your Student Services Coordinator.
ACCESS in ACADEMICS
Day-to-Day
You typically spend 1 to 4 hours sitting in a classroom on weekdays. If a student has two electives scheduled on the same day, it’s possible that to have 7 hours of class on some days (including Chinese language class). Class size ranges from 3-8 for language classes and 6-15 students for English electives.
Available for students with documented need: low-distraction test environment; extra time on exams; modified deadlines and seating; exam reader; a computer to take exams; large-print texts; braille signage around the program; mobility orientation to campus; term syllabi, readings, and assignments in advance.
Classrooms & Campus
Classrooms and staff offices are located on the upper floors of an academic building on campus, but classes could be set up on the first floor with advanced notice. The restrooms on some floors, including the first floor, only have squat toilets on 4-inch raised platforms. Other buildings on campus may have steps to the entrance and may or may not have elevators.
Internships are optional and offer varied work environments and require that students perform a variety of tasks. Interns typically work 3 to 4 hours in the afternoons 3 days/week. Distances and modes of transportation to internship sites vary. Private transportation to and from internship sites can be arranged for a student with documented need.
Out-of-Class Activities
CET occasionally plans mandatory academic activities and optional trips to nearby sites and other cities after class and on weekends. Excursions may involve urban walking, rural hiking, use of public transportation, and/or ascending and descending stairs.
Itinerary modifications and accommodations can be made for students with documented need. Transportation can be arranged as necessary, and excused absences are provided for mandatory excursions that are inaccessible due to a disability.
ACCESS IN HOUSING
Your Home Abroad
The dormitories are located on campus, about 50 meters from the classrooms. Most students are housed in the international dormitory building, which is wheelchair accessible. However, this accessibility does not apply to the rest of campus. Students with limited mobility should carefully consider this in their decision-making process. Each dorm room provides a mini fridge for food, medications, etc. The dormitory also offers a communal kitchen, laundry facilities, and study spaces.
Housing Assignments
Students live alongside a local university student in a double occupancy room with its own bathroom. Local roommates are assigned based on the student’s legal sex (as listed on their passport) and gender identity (as self-disclosed on their CET Housing Questionnaire) to ensure a housing setup that is appropriate and conducive to student success on the program. In the roommate pairing process for gender diverse students, on-site staff select a more experienced local roommate and ensure they are okay with the roommate match before finalizing. Students are encouraged to reach out to their Student Services Coordinator with any questions, concerns, or requests for further details on the process.
Around Shanghai
Most Shanghai subways stops offer escalator and/or elevator access, but some may be under-maintained, and buses are not equipped with facilities for passengers with mobility issues. Sidewalks may also present a challenge for students using mobility aids, as they are sometimes uneven or have heavy foot (and motorbike) traffic. Most street intersections and buildings provide curb cuts, though it’s still possible to find some without.
"I was one of the students who attended CET from a gut feeling and assumed the 3.5 months would be me trying to find myself away in a foreign country. I could not have been more pleasantly surprised by how amazing the CET staff has been. I am fully confident that I could confide in any member of that office and that they always have my best interest in mind—such incredible people."
College of the Holy Cross | Spring student
Health & Diet
As a part of your program fee, you are enrolled in GeoBlue health insurance for the entire duration of your program. Learn more about GeoBlue and how we operate programs with health and safety in mind.
Health & Medicine
Students can expect a level of medical care that is on par with or better than what they’ve experienced in the US, with the exception of access to medication (due to stricter requirements). There are a variety of health facilities available to students in Shanghai, including many English-service options. During orientation, on-site staff provide students with basic information and recommendations for seeing a doctor and buying medicine. There are some prescription medications that are not accessible in China—students should do their research beforehand and ensure they bring their prescription and the necessary amount if in-country refills won’t be possible. Marijuana, CBD, and related products are illegal in China and may result in incarceration.
Keeping Fit in Shanghai
Students have reduced-fee or free access to Donghua University’s athletic facilities, including an indoor and outdoor track, and facilities for basketball, soccer, table tennis, weight training, and badminton. There are also excellent outdoor tennis, basketball, and soccer facilities located near the student dorm. With permission from the sports facility managers, CET students also have access to DHU’s indoor climbing walls, free weights, and dance studios. The area surrounding Donghua University is filled with beautiful tree-lined streets great for walking, and membership-only health clubs that students can join for a monthly fee of around 75 USD.
Managing Mental Health
Quality mental health services are available in Shanghai from a variety of English-speaking professionals. We’ve had multiple students seek out these services in the past and can provide contact information upon request.
Most medications for mental health disorders (anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medication) can be brought from the US without issues at customs, though we always recommend students do thorough research prior to departure. These medications are often more difficult to obtain in China and students should plan to bring these with them.
Dietary Restrictions
Special dietary needs can be accommodated in China, but require patience and persistence as many local people are not used to the idea of dietary restrictions or severe food allergies. Vegetarian and halal diets are easier to navigate, while vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free students must be patient and clear when ordering food in China. Students adhering to a Kosher diet can find options at a local Jewish center.
Resources from Alumni
BLOG Posts
This is a curated list of blog posts chosen specifically to provide context for life abroad in China. Posts here may cover culture shock, diversity, daily life and workload, etc. To see all posts from students in Greater China, head to the Student Voices blog.
- Eat Well, Test Well
By Jae Will, University of Richmond | CET Shanghai, Fall 2024 - Exploring and Studying in Shanghai with CET
By Aurora Brendtke, University of Michigan | CET Shanghai, Summer 2024 - Salam from Shanghai
By Zhao Gu Gammage, Haverford College | CET Shanghai, Spring 2024 - Falling in Love with Food in Shanghai
By Natalie Chen, Washington University in St. Louis | CET Shanghai, Spring 2024 - Navigating the 餐馆 (School Canteen)
By Nina Udagawa, The George Washington University | CET Shanghai, Fall 2019 - IMMER-ASIAN
By Melodie Vuong, University of Texas at Austin | CET Shanghai, Summer 2019
Perspective pieces
These are alumni-written essays that reflect upon how their own identity affected their time abroad in China (both good and bad) and what it was like to navigate another culture in their position. We encourage you to read these to better understand what studying abroad in China could be like for you or your future peers.
- My Experience and Insights as a Latina Student in Shanghai, China
by Esther Torres, CET Shanghai | Summer 2024
For “For Latina/Latino and Latinx Students, as well as Anyone Interested in Studying in China” - Studying Abroad as a Heritage Student
by Anonymous Contributor, CET Shanghai | Summer 2024
For “Chinese heritage students” - 欢迎光临 (Welcome)
by Zhao Gu Gammage, CET Shanghai | Spring 2024
For “All” - A 6th Generation Chinese-American Experience In Shanghai: The Understanding of my Cultural Conflict and Clarification
by Anonymous Contributor, CET Shanghai | Fall 2023
For “Chinese Americans in China” - Japanese-American Experience in Shanghai/China
by Anonymous Contributor, CET Shanghai | Summer 2018
For “Japanese (Japanese/American) in China”
CHINA Alumni Insight
In final evaluations, we ask students how their identities affected their experience abroad. The following are a few select quotes from recent program evaluations to help you understand what life in China may be like for you or your future peers.
TALK TO ALUMNI
Chat with alumni about their experiences abroad. Once you start an application, your CET Compass account will give you access to the following resources:
- Alumni Support List: A directory of students who have volunteered to chat about their experiences abroad in Greater China.
- Identity Abroad Support Network: A group of students who have volunteered to discuss their identity-related experiences in Greater China. This is a volunteer-based program that started in 2019. Volunteers can also opt to have their contact information kept privately by CET staff and only shared when certain lived experiences are asked about.
Don’t see anyone listed for the Identity Abroad Support Network? Call CET for more information and resources. Consider joining after your program to support other minority students abroad.