About the Program
Within the current discussion of global urbanization, few countries command as much attention as China. At the center of a phenomenal rate of urbanization is Shanghai, one of the most heralded examples of the world's new megacities. The city not only encapsulates the current great urban transformation-it also serves, in the view of many, as a model of economic development and a symbol of prosperity for other developing countries to emulate. Shanghai is China's most modern city with a population of over 23 million people and appears to be on a fast track to becoming Asia's financial epicenter. With the rapid development of what many refer to as a "global city," have come both great achievements and serious challenges. Our students will be exposed to and expected to grapple with Shanghai's many accomplishments and its struggles with such thorny issues as rural-urban migration, uneven development, global business practices, and the ways in which the media portray a global city.
Our academic program is based at Fudan University, one of China's top institutions of higher learning. Like many other BCA programs around the world, this one emphasizes global issues and "ideas that matter." In Shanghai, our particular focus is on an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the global city. Students engage in a combination of on-site orientation, rigorous academic coursework, educational excursions, and an (optional) independent study project or internship. Outside of the classroom and during field learning components of the program, our students are guided by our resident director, John Lu. John is a media and journalism insider, a co-founder of Shanghai Daily, and has more than 20 years experience in the fields of journalism and business in China. He is enthusiastic about sharing unique insights into various aspects of China's history, culture, journalism, economic development, and business life. At the university students take courses with high-quality professors and have access to experienced staff members, including two members of the Fudan University International Cultural Exchange School (ICES) who have worked with us on the development of this program and are key contacts at Fudan: Guo Peng, Coordinator for Admissions & International Development, and Hu Wenhua, Vice Dean of ICES.
Students of all academic majors are welcome to apply. All courses are taught in English. There are no academic or language pre-requisites, although while on the program students are required to take at least one Chinese language class to help develop the skills and confidence to live, study and (in some cases) conduct independent study in Shanghai. The program is particularly suitable for students with interests in Asian studies, urban affairs, globalization, communication studies, media and journalism, business, Chinese language, history, politics, sociology, economics, and liberal arts with interdisciplinary approaches to learning about the world.
Fudan University's main campus is located within walking distance to a metro station with quick and easy access to downtown Shanghai. Also convenient to campus are many of the amenities of an urban environment. On-campus housing provides our students with maximum access to Chinese students and to all the facilities, including athletic facilities. Students share accommodations with other international students in double rooms with adjoining bathrooms and (in some cases) shared kitchens. Students may also request home stays by special arrangement. The program is offered during the fall semester and the spring semester.