Shanghai Exploration expands China insights for JI overseas freshmen

On November 27, the University of Michigan – Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) held the defense session for the 2024 Shanghai Exploration project, marking the successful conclusion of the semester-long China national conditions education initiative for the new cohort of 45 JI international students.

The city exploration project for the purpose of enhancing the overseas students’ understanding of Shanghai and China was kicked off in September. The students were divided into six teams, each assigned to one of Shanghai’s districts: Huangpu, Xuhui, Jing’an, Yangpu, Pudong, and Songjiang. Over the course of a semester, students conducted independent exploration and research, which culminated in video presentations and defense sessions, where they shared their findings with faculty and peers.

The activity provided students with an opportunity to present new perspectives on Shanghai, focusing on grassroots, detailed, and progressive aspects of the city’s development. These student-led presentations contributed to a deeper understanding of Shanghai’s vibrant history and culture, furthering the goal of fostering global cultural exchange and promoting China’s narrative.

Alexandre Beaudin is a member of the Songjiang Travel Unit (SJTU) team that claimed the top prize for their team presentation during the defense session. “Songjiang, once the political, economic, and cultural center of the Shanghai region, is the birthplace of the city’s history and culture. The district is rich in cultural landmarks. Through this exploration and by watching other group presentations, I gained a broader and deeper understanding of Shanghai, which sparked curiosity for other areas of the city,” said the Canadian student.

The Shanghai Exploration project is part of a series of cultural education initiatives in the 2024 fall semester under the guidance of class advisor David Hung, who is also Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the Joint Institute. Other initiatives of the semester included freshman orientation, Mid-Autumn Festival cultural experiences, academic guidance forums, and labor education event at Chongming District. These activities have successfully enhanced class cohesion and promoted a supportive “family culture” among the international student cohort.

The Joint Institute continues to prioritize providing multi-layered cultural experiences for international students, with a particular focus on Chinese and city culture. By offering a combination of classroom learning, extracurricular activities, and city exploration, the Institute aims to help international students adapt to their new environment and strengthen their foundation in Chinese culture. Social practice projects such as Shanghai City Walk and the Nanxun teaching program have inspired students to explore and engage more deeply with China. Through diverse cross-cultural exchanges and experiences of traditional Chinese culture, international students are building stronger intercultural communication skills and a greater emotional connection to China.