CAPA WORLD

Meet Lauren Girard, an official CAPA Instagram TV vlogger in Shanghai, China for Summer 2019:

University: Champlain College
Major: International Business with minors in Data Analytics and Digital Marketing
Study abroad location: Shanghai, China
Internship or volunteer placement: TBC

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What are you most excited for during your study abroad semester?
I am most excited to try new foods while in Shanghai!

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

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. 

CAPA Spring 2019 Diversity Advocates scholar Malia Waltman opens up about her American identity and Chinese heritage, as well as how she is reconciling these facets of herself in Shanghai. She also talks about her experiences with locals, including the advantages and disadvantages of blending in abroad.

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.

“Connecting Global Cities” is a monthly column written by Colin Speakman, Resident Director for CAPA Shanghai.

After a recent visit to Beijing from Shanghai with the spring 2019 students, Colin writes about the opportunities provided by CAPA for students to learn about their host city and other global cities around them. He compares and contrasts the features and local interaction of both cities, while describing how Beijing and Shanghai represent China globally, politically, and culturally.

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.

Studying abroad means positioning yourself to receive the best, yet sometimes unexpected experiences. In this post, Jennifer Conner talks about observing the Chinese culture firsthand, interning at an English language school, and building long-lasting relationships with her friends.