CAPA WORLD

Your study abroad experience does not have to end on the plane ride home. Imani Wilson returned home from studying abroad in Shanghai a year ago, and she's sharing how continues keeping up with Chinese culture and current events and practicing the language. Find out some of her tips to help you continue your own study abroad experience!

With a semester abroad behind her, Imani writes about her experience with integrating as an African American in Shanghai and finding a home away from home. She gives us an honest look at her challenges and successes, and how attending the Black Expo in Shanghai came at the right time during her study abroad journey. Read how she's doing after being back in the US with some final advice on how to challenge yourself out of your comfort zone.

Sometimes expectations won't go as planned when reality comes around; but part of being in a new environment is pushing yourself to adapt to change. In this week's post, Imani opens up about speaking in Mandarin, making friends, and missing food from home. She also shares with us about her overall progress over the semester and how she was able to bring out the best parts of herself while studying abroad in Shanghai.

When you go somewhere different, you're bound to have new encounters. In this week's post, Imani lists 10 differences between the US and China based on her observations. From underground markets to expansive subway systems, she covers what you can expect from everyday life there. 

In this week's post, Imani gets to the heart of learning Mandarin and shares an introduction to the language. Take note of the basics here and the keys to understanding how the Chinese language works as a result of history and context. After all, the possibilities in life are endless when you know another language!

In this week's post, Imani visits the World Expo Museum and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center as part of CAPA Shanghai's My Global City events for students. She shares her latest insights on structures around the world and in Shanghai, as well as how urbanization and westernization has made its impact in China.

It can be easy to lose track of your spending while abroad! In this week's post, Imani sheds light on her student budget and how she manages her money monthly. She looks at how she's allocated funds for travel, food, souvenirs, and activities in Shanghai, and what is covered by your CAPA program costs.

In this week's post, Imani gives us a quick rundown of her classes in Shanghai and what she's been learning so far. She's getting a deeper look and a holistic view of China's history, its current issues, and the urban transformation  happening all over the country. In addition, Imani is learning something she's wanted to for the longest time—the Chinese Language! Find out what goes on in these classes and more.

Now that’s she’s been in Shanghai for a few weeks, CAPA Blogger Imani Wilson is learning a thing or two about the time management skills you will gain (out of necessity) while studying abroad. In this blog she shares some tips and anecdotes for mastering time management while abroad to ensure you can make the most of your experience!

Are you ready for student life abroad in Shanghai? In this week's post, Imani shares her take on the dorm accommodation and facilities around the ECNU campus. From finding what you need around campus to a look inside her dorm room, she gives more insight on what to prepare for and what she already enjoys about living on campus.

Before I arrived in Shanghai, I was given instructions to get me to the East China Normal University (ECNU) Zhongbei Campus (not the Minhang Campus). There are about 10,000 students here, which is huge compared to Hood College. There are many metro stations and malls nearby.