Rollins in Shanghai

Housing: All Rollins in Shanghai program participants will be housed in an Ibis hotel across the street from the entrance to Jiao Tong University.  Students should assume a double room and may request roommates prior to departure.  All rooms have telephones, TV, air conditioning, heat, etc.  EducAsian aims to room Rollins students with other Rollins students; however, depending on gender breakdown and roommate preferences, EducAsian may room Rollins students with students from other US insititutions.

Meals: There is no meal plan provided on this program.  Students receive a meal credit equivalent to the cost of meals in Shanghai, NOT equivalent to a meal plan at Rollins.  Students have access to a wide-range of restaurants and dining halls on and around the Jiao Tong University campus.  Food is generally very cheap in Shanghai—a day of meals can easily be less than $10.  However, this is based on Chinese food—prices for western restaurants are significantly higher.  Students with dietary restrictions may find it challenging to find appropriate foods, especially early on in the semester, when the language barrier will be at its highest point.  Though rooms do not have fridges or microwaves, students may keep dry goods and drinks in their rooms, which can be eaten to supplement other meals.  EducAsian staff can assist students as they adjust to the diet and food choices in Shanghai.

Orientation: Students are met by Rollins in Shanghai resident director and/or local staff at the airport.  There is an intensive two day orientation program which introduces students to the faculty and staff, the program, the university, and the city.

Field Trips and Excursions: The Rollins in Shanghai program includes numerous local cultural excursions and site visits in the Shanghai area.  Additionally, the program includes extensive cultural excursions outside of Shanghai. There will be three weekend excursions to locations such as Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing.  There will also be two extended cultural experiences, one during the post midterm break and the other at the conclusion of course work and final exams. These will include trips to notable destinations in China such as Xian, Beijing, Hong Kong and more.

Life in Shanghai: Always a bustling commercial hub and a romantic city, Shanghai today is a thriving metropolis complete with towering skyscrapers in Pudong and glitzy malls along Nanjing Road.  Home to many international companies' branch offices, Shanghai is the economic and financial capitol of China. Shanghai is also the birthplace of many of China's political leaders from Jiang Zemin to Zhu Rongji.  The city remains an important seat of government, and Chinese leaders look to Shanghai to spearhead China's economic growth.  Shanghai is, however, not all modern glitz; it is also home to a number of significant cultural and historical sights.  The new Shanghai museum houses one of the most impressive collections of art in China. From the museum's architecture to the excellent format of the exhibits, this museum is definitely not to be missed.   Whether wandering through the narrow alleys of French Town, strolling along the Bund at night, gazing at the view from the Oriental Pearl TV tower, lighting incense at the Jade Buddha Temple, or shopping in the Yu Gardens Bazaar, Shanghai clearly has all the charms of China's past and the promise of China's future.