CAPA WORLD

Absa shares the reality of her multicultural experience in Shanghai. From getting used to Chinese food to sharing what it's like to be a black person abroad, she tells us how she navigated her study abroad and internship in Shanghai and what it all means to her. As she steps out of China, read on about the 5 things that's made the most impact for Absa.

Making Chinese dumplings from scratch in Shanghai? Definitely an item that's crossed off on Absa's bucket list! Here's a story of how 18 Champlain College students got involved in this cultural activity and learned how to make dumplings. Want to make some of your own? Absa shares more details on the recipe in this post.

Pack your bags because we are taking a high-speed train to Beijing! Is The Great Wall of China on your list of places to go before you die? Have you wondered how to make your way to The Forbidden City? Well, in today's post, Absa will show you around all these places and more. Together with her CAPA classmates, she spent the weekend in the prominent Chinese city where they toured some of the most historic spots in the world and spent time taking in the local culture.

Your first time bargaining may feel awkward so Absa has put together some helpful steps to ease you into the Chinese consumer culture. She also shares the things (affordable luggages and bulk souvenirs, anyone?) that she and her friends have gotten from negotiating with shop owners. You'll leave Shanghai knowing how to bargain, so put this new skill to practice while you're there!

If interning is part of your study abroad plans, then you should read this compilation of student profiles from Shanghai! These rising juniors share what they do in their roles, how their interests align with the internships, and the important lessons they're taking away from each experience. 

It's the summer for learning and improving yourself! Absa has moved and lived in several countries over the course of her life, and she is approaching her time in Shanghai with curiosity, openness, and intentionality. Take a quick dive into how you can be culturally competent by being proactive in a new environment (with a completely different language) like China.

Known for striking a balance between history and modernity, Shanghai serves as a good place to explore a new culture while navigating the language barrier. Through her internship in Shanghai with CAPA, Absa Samba, a Freeman Grant Scholarship recipient and Champlain College student, has been able to learn more about the Chinese culture and city infrastructure. Check out why she's determined to keep an open mind and grow more as an individual this summer!

Meet Absa Samba, an official CAPA blogger in Shanghai, China for Summer 2019:

University: Champlain College
Major: Social Work, minors in Psychology and Global Studies
Study abroad location: Shanghai, China
Internship or volunteer placement: TBC