For Julian, studying abroad was never just about earning credits. It was about doing something unfamiliar, stepping into a completely different environment, and seeing what everyday life looks like outside Europe. That curiosity eventually led him to Shanghai, a city known for its size, speed, and global energy, where he decided to spend a semester abroad.
From the beginning, Shanghai felt like a place that would challenge him in the best way. It’s international and modern, yet very different from what he was used to. That contrast is exactly what made the experience so exciting.
First Days in Shanghai
Arriving in Shanghai was intense in the best possible sense. The city is huge, busy, and constantly moving. Everything feels fast-paced, and at first it can be a little overwhelming: the traffic, the skyscrapers, the crowds. At the same time, there’s a feeling that anything is possible here.
The start of the semester itself went smoothly, which made a big difference. With most of the practical things already taken care of, Julian was able to focus on settling in, getting to know the city, and adjusting to his new routine instead of stressing about formalities.
What Daily Life Is Really Like
One of the biggest surprises for Julian was how easy daily life in Shanghai actually is once you get used to it. The city is incredibly digital. From paying for groceries to ordering food, booking transport, or meeting friends, almost everything happens through apps. After a short adjustment period, life becomes very efficient.
Another thing that stood out was how safe the city feels. Even though Shanghai is massive, there’s a strong sense of order. That made moving around the city comfortable and allowed him to explore freely without constantly worrying.
On a typical day, Julian attends classes at the university, which feel more structured than what he’s used to in Germany. The system is a bit more school-like, but that also makes expectations very clear. After classes, time is often spent studying, walking through the city, meeting friends, or discovering new neighbourhoods. Simply being outside and observing everyday life in Shanghai became one of his favourite parts of the experience.
The Moments That Stuck the Most
When Julian thinks back on his semester, it’s hard to point to one single highlight. What really made the experience special were the shared moments, exploring the city with friends, trying new food, getting lost in different districts, and having conversations about cultural differences.
Shanghai always feels alive. There’s constantly something happening, somewhere new to go, or something unexpected to discover. That energy made every week feel different and kept the experience exciting from start to finish.
Personal Growth Along the Way
Living abroad pushed Julian to become more flexible and independent. Not everything works the same way as back home, and that forces you to adapt. Over time, he became more comfortable dealing with uncertainty and handling situations as they came.
Language also played an important role. His Chinese skills turned out to be extremely useful in everyday life, especially in situations where English wasn’t enough. Being able to communicate locally made daily interactions easier and helped him feel more connected to the city.
Overall, the semester helped him grow, not just academically, but personally. He feels more confident navigating new environments and more open to different ways of living and thinking.
Advice for Students Considering China
Julian’s advice for future students is simple: be open and don’t be afraid of differences. China can feel very different from Europe, and that’s exactly why it’s worth experiencing. Learning a bit about the culture beforehand and picking up some basic language skills makes the transition much smoother.
Most importantly, say yes to opportunities. Meet people, explore as much as possible, and don’t stay in your comfort zone. The best experiences often come from situations you didn’t plan.
Looking Back
As his semester in Shanghai comes to an end, Julian knows he’ll miss the city’s energy the most. Life in Shanghai is intense, fast, and full of possibilities. He’ll also miss the convenience of everyday life, and, above all, the people he met along the way.
Leaving feels bittersweet, but that’s a sign of how meaningful the experience has been. Studying abroad in Shanghai didn’t just give Julian a new academic perspective; it gave him memories, skills, and confidence that will stay with him long after the semester ends.
Want to study abroad in China? Learn more about Shanghai University here!
The post Studying Abroad in Shanghai: Julian’s Semester Outside His Comfort Zone appeared first on Asia Exchange.
Article source: https://asiaexchange.org/blogs/studying-abroad-in-shanghai-julians-semester-abroad/
