CAPA WORLD

"Thoughts on Education Abroad" is a monthly column written by CAPA The Global Education Network's Deputy President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Michael Woolf.

---

In this month's column, Dr. Mike Woolf describes the connection and relationships between the Jewish and Black communities with music—specifically jazz music. He also shares numerous historic examples of how music represents the empathy found in each community, as well as the controversies that marginalize minorities and their shared experiences.

Every term CAPA Shanghai students enjoy a trip to China's historic capital, Beijing. This summer Champlain College student and CAPA Vlogger Lauren brings us along as she and her classmates discover the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, & The Great Wall of China! Watch to see these beautiful historic sites and hear about Lauren's perspective on the differences between two of China's biggest cities, Shanghai & Beijing,

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. 

Want to know more about what it's like to intern in Shanghai? Lauren gives us all the details of her Data Analytics internship with CAPGemini, a French company with offices in Shanghai. From her commute to her daily tasks, the view from her office, and a chat with her coworker, Lauren shares what she is gaining from this experience!

We have a roundup of some of the important and celebrated days in our global cities! Find out the history behind each National Day and how the locals recognize them. Some are steeped in tradition, while others are commemorated differently. Be sure to take note of the dates as well, you might just get to experience it while studying abroad!

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.

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.

In this week's episode, Lauren takes us along to experience a unique side of Shanghai - it's M50 art district. Accompanied by other CAPA students and a guide for this My Global City tour, see what to expect from the most artistic side of this Global metropolis!

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!