From Shanghai to Sydney

"When I see the UTS Tower, I think that's my building – that's where I belong," said Cici Chen, who is currently completing a dual Bachelor of Business degree between Shanghai University and UTS.

Cici is one of 24 students from Shanghai University who recently participated in a three-week study tour of UTS. The students are enrolled in UTS's Bachelor of Business and undertake their studies at Shanghai University.

The study tour provided an opportunity for these students to experience studying in Australia, specifically UTS.

"UTS has a lot of technology to help students study and places for students to learn and practice group work, like in the library," Jian Yuan Feng said. "I think the classes that the teachers have given us are very interesting and very relevant to our work. We have gained some new knowledge and ideas."

The study tour also included industry visits to the Reserve Bank of Australia, Parliament House of New South Wales and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, to provide an insight into Australian economics and politics.

Shanghai University students in Sydney. Picture supplied

The Shanghai University students also had the opportunity to engage in UTS student life, by participating in Clubs Day and meeting other UTS students during Orientation Week.

"Almost all of us are very shy to initiate talk with strangers, but this time we were brave and made friends," Chloe Xiaolan said. "I think we were so lucky to meet on Clubs Day – they were from the Chinese Students Scholars Association. If I had the chance, I think I would join them."

"We also joined a speed-friending session and talked to many UTS students," Fang Jiaqi said. "I think the students here in UTS are from many different cultures and nationalities. It's good to be able to find out more about different cultures and also make many friends."

During their time in Sydney, the Shanghai University students also embraced student living. Realising they wouldn't be able to survive on hamburgers and other takeaway food, many students were encouraged to learn how to cook.

"We learnt how to shop for good ingredients in the supermarket and learnt how to cook. This would never happen when we are at home because our parents do it for us and we don't have the chance," Chloe Xiaolan said. "We learnt to be independent."
 
At the end of the study tour, the students presented to an academic panel about what they had learnt in class. They also shared their experiences of discovering new foods, places, cultures and understanding more about Australian life.

Shanghai University and UTS have one of the largest and longest standing China-foreign higher education joint venture collaborations in China. This year celebrates 20 years of the partnership between the universities.

"I believe Australia and China, UTS and SILC deserve an excellent future," said Shanghai University student, Yolanda Yu. "Better contribution, better innovation and better communication – these are all things we share."

The study tour was funded by UTS and Shanghai University and run by accessUTS.