Eyes on Shanghai

Emma Freiberg Olsson is an exchange student majoring in Events Management at Kristianstadt University, Sweden. Here's what she had to say about her experience in studying at SBC in Shanghai:

Why Shanghai and SBC? Shanghai is a beautiful and inspiring city, it has two sides; always something happening and then peace. Shanghai is like yin and yang. You can always find something to do here - sightseeing, restaurants, bars, shopping and lots of activities but if you need some peace and quiet there are parks where all the noise and bustle disappears. There is little that can compete with SBC's campus location. Shopping, restaurants and bars all in walking distance. It's central and real easy to get around Shanghai with the metro or by taxi. The campus itself is gorgeous and constantly improving. What I personally like is that its small and easy to get around. It has a cozy feeling to it. The students are welcoming and friendly.

SBC staff have been very helpful and understanding. Since we are the first international students living on campus there has been a need for some changes. With communication and honesty most things have worked out. Some things are not possible to change in a short period of time and some things you just have to respect and live with. I'm having the time of my life here and I don't wish to be anywhere else in the world at the moment.

As an international metropolis, Shanghai is a city never ceases to amaze. By 2010, there will be 30 universities in Shanghai open to overseas students and the proportion of the total number will reach 8%. Recently we asked the international students studying in Shanghai what they think about the city:

What do you like most about Shanghai?

Robert Anderson: Lots of opportunities.

Kelly Mirza: High-quality education and promising future. To enrich our extracurricular life, the universities have organized various activities, such as recreations and sports contests, travels and excursions, learning practice. Besides it is said that Shanghai is the only city in China which sets up the exclusive "Foreign Employment Center", and i think that the Expo will bring a climax of foreign employment. My boyfriend and I are willing to work in Shanghai after we graduate.

Cary Brown: The number of study opportunities is incredible, for Shanghai is also the home to many of China's famous universities. And if you live off-campus, the transportation to and from them is also a strong point, making the commute more convenient for those not living downtown.

Kevin Henderson: Haha-dumplings. What keeps me in Shanghai are two things. One is the opportunities-that is, here I am able to do things that I wouldn't be able to do in Sydney or France or London and other places I have lived, or at least wouldn't be able to do so easily. I am talking professionally here of course as China is "so hot right now," and everything is growing meaning there are so many cool things to do. Secondly, and this is related to the growth, is the energy. There is new stuff happening everyday.

Daniel Stevens: There is always somewhere to go and someone to meet.

David Smith: Numerous convenience stores.

How safe, from a security point of view, do you feel living in Shanghai?

Robert Anderson: In terms of crime, it is safe.

Kelly Mirza: Very safe, physically.

Cary Brown: Hmm-there have been some urban myths, but in general, I feel pretty safe. I have had stuff stolen, phones and the like, but mainly through my stupidity, leaving them in my coat pocket in a crowded market, etc. When I used to live downtown it was no biggie to walk home late at night. There are always people around.

Kevin Henderson: I never felt in danger anywhere.

Daniel Stevens: Very safe.