Student Life

Throughout the program, The Education Abroad Network's Resident Director in Shanghai provides on-going support services via informal house meetings, meals, and weekend excursions. When students find themselves a bit confused by cultural, academic, and social differences, our Resident Director is ready to assist and provide support.

Other China-Based Staff

Solaro Chan, Resident Directtor (Beijing) Solaro was born in Calgary, Canada and grew up on the west coast in multicultural Vancouver, speaking 4 different languages (English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and French). He completed his BA (Economics) at University of Victoria and attained a TEFL certification prior to moving to China in 2004. Since then, he has worked in the education and youth travel industry where he has managed over 1000 travelers from around the world to experience the Chinese culture. Solaro has worked as support staff for The Education Abroad Network since 2008.
Matthew Wong, Student Liaison (Beijing) Matt has been with the Education Abroad Network since the Fall of 2008. He was born in Sydney, Australia and has been living in Beijing, China since April 2008. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting/Marketing) at Macquarie University, and has worked in the accounting field for over 4 years whilst maintaining an interest in marketing and business development. He has travelled extensively throughout the world visiting such locations as England, Canada, USA, Pacific Islands and many Asian countries. Matt is currently based in China as he fulfills his aspirations to work in business development and marketing. He sees China as the ideal location for this line of work as it has as much to offer him as it does to the rest of the world. Matt's favorite destinations are Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Canada; USA.
Simon Shi, Staff Assistant (Beijing) Simon was born in Zhejiang Province in 1978 and moved to Beijing in 1987 to attend Yongdingmen School. Following his graduation from school, Simon joined Integrated Education Services Global Limited upon the opening of their Beijing office in 2004. Since that time, he has gained international exposure and developed the skills necessary for working with students in the education industry. He is also currently researching the viability of home stays in China, as he has strong aspirations of developing this particular industry in China. Simon joined the Education Abroad Network as a Staff Assistant in the Fall of 2008, putting to use the skills he has gained over the last several years working in the education industry.

In addition, The Education Abroad Network utilizes several Program Representatives and support staff in the United States and overseas to help administer and market the programs. All of the support personnel have previously studied, lived, or worked abroad and can provide unique insight into the study abroad experience.

Study Asia-Sponsored Semester Activities

• Weekend and spring break trips
• Frequent coffee breaks with local Resident Director
• Cultural activities hosted by Resident Director
• Farewell dinner at conclusion of program

Internet and Mobile Phones

We know it’s important to stay connected with family and friends --- and to share amazing photos of your time in Beijing. In response to the need for technology, the Education Abroad Network includes pre-arranged wireless internet access in our Shanghai housing. Stay connected with family and friends, do academic research and coursework from the convenience of your off-campus housing and avoid long-term contracts normally associated with setting up an internet account yourself.

In addition, The Education Abroad Network provides a mobile phone upon arrival with enough credit to make initial calls. Students are assisted with procedures for purchasing additional credit which is relatively inexpensive in China.

Immersion

Work with Chinese Colleagues

The learning doesn’t end in the office for students participating in an internship. Study Asia students and Chinese co-workers regularly spend time socializing “off the clock,” including impromptu English and Chinese lessons and  invitations to home-cooked meals.

Housing with Chinese Roommates

Study Asia offers students a unique living experience to aid in cultural immersion. Our housing allows students to share an apartment with other program participants as well as local Chinese housemates. The Chinese roommates are all local university students and are on hand to assist program participants in assimilating into a new culture. Wondering where to grab the best cup of coffee? Odds are, your roommate will not only tell you where, but will take you and introduce you to new friends. Struggling to find the right way to ask a question? Ask your roommate, who is there to provide assistance with language as a practice buddy. The Education Abroad Network students and local Chinese students all  gain from this experience with new knowledge and new friends.

Resident Director Events

Our Resident Director in Shanghai arranges regular dinners and cultural outings during which students can chat about their experience so far and address any issues that may have arisen. Easily reached via email or phone, our in-country support staff are able to meet up with students whenever needed and are even the perfect sightseeing partners. Throughout the semester the Resident Director arranges visits to sites of cultural interest as optional excursions.

Living Life as a Local in Shanghai

• Shanghai is a city of lively festivals, bustling markets, endless shopping, and countless cultural sites to visit.
• Start your day with morning Tai Chi on the Bund.
• Shanghai is alive with economic boom. You can hear it in the sounds of constant construction; see it in the new buildings going up, and share it with your international and Chinese fellow students.
• Get a spot along the rail from the Bund side of the Huangpu River to get the best skyline view.
• Get ready for Shanghai’s subways. They’re a mad crush of humanity trying to get on and off at the same time.