Are you a UBC undergrad thinking about going on a student exchange? It can be a daunting decision. You might wonder, what's it like spending a year or a semester in another country? How can you prepare? And how do you handle it when things go sideways? We talked with a group of UBC Global Ambassadors who studied abroad with a Go Global program. They spoke with us candidly, sharing their personal impressions, fears and misgivings, best memories, top tips and advice. (This is story is part of a series of Global Exchange Insider interviews.)
Meet 22-year-old Isidora Bašanović, a 5th-year UBC undergraduate student in the International Relations program in the Faculty of Arts. She has Serbian roots and grew up in Vancouver, BC.
UBC undergrad Isidora Bašanović on a night boat cruise on the Bund (photo: Trip.com Group)
Before you go
Why did you pick Fudan University in Shanghai for your exchange? How did you hear about it?
I had always dreamed of participating in an exchange program to a Chinese-speaking destination since the beginning of my undergraduate degree. To contribute to my studies in International Relations at UBC, I chose to study at Fudan University’s SIRPA (School of International Relations and Public Affairs) program because Fudan is China’s leading institution for IR and Foreign Affairs-related programs. Fudan also has a lot of bilateral program with other notable institutions, such as LSE, the London School of Economics.
I first heard about Fudan University through the Go Global student testimonies. A lot of UBC IR students had provided very insightful feedback from their studies at Fudan, which later inspired me to embark on this journey.
What was the application process like? Any tips?
Simple and extremely easy to follow. The university’s Incoming International Student’s Coordinator was prompt in her responses and was very helpful.
How did you prepare? Anything to be aware of? (travel, cultural differences, classes, etc.)
I read positive experiences on Fudan University from UBC students on the UBC Go Global student testimony page and was immediately captivated by the opportunity to participate in this program.
Fudan University main campus building, Guanghua Towers (photo: Isidora Bašanović)
Da Xue Lu (Student Boulevard) populated with cafes and adorned with decorative lights beside campus (photo: Isidora Bašanović)
What worries did you have beforehand? How did you overcome the anxiety?
With the excitement I felt after being approved for the Go Global exchange program, I only had some elements of consternation about the experience, primarily regarding the language barrier. With this experience, which would have been my first time in Asia, I was not sure what the language climate would be like. I wondered: is English widely spoken in Shanghai? Will I be able to communicate with other international students easily? One way I addressed this feeling was by doing some research on other Fudan University students’ experiences. I began to watch many vlogs about daily life in Shanghai as a foreigner, and other students’ vlogs. Doing this alleviated my worries and helped me get insight into the lifestyle and activities in Shanghai, and at Fudan University.
During the experience
How was the overall experience? What did you learn?
The overall experience was extremely transformative. It allowed me to face opportunities that helped me become more adaptable and open-minded as I navigated new environments on my own.
“The academic side of my exchange exceeded my expectations in every sense.”
If you could change something or do it differently, what would you change or do?
It would be to have explored Shanghai, the city itself, more extensively. This is a challenge in itself, considering Shanghai as one of the world’s largest cities. Most of my travelling during my exchange occurred outside of the city and in different provinces, but if I could go back, I would have loved to explore a different district of the city every day.
Isidora's adventure through Yunnan, Southwestern China: at Shi Lin Train Station (photo: Isidora Bašanović)
Isidora in front of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (photo: Isidora Bašanović)
How were the academics?
The academic side of my exchange exceeded my expectations in every sense. The courses were very interactive, and classes were small in size, making it easy to connect with classmates and professors. In one of my International Relations courses, Global Governance, I participated in a trilateral conference with students from Yonsei University and Kyoto University. In addition to my IR studies, I took a course on Chinese Society and took an intensive HSK level 5 Mandarin course. On campus, I formed connections and made friendships with a diverse group of students across Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs in various disciplines. The School of International Relations and Public Affairs took initiative to organize sightseeing tours for students every month. Excursions included exploring a new city via speed rail—such as Hangzhou and Suzhou—as well as organized visits to various exhibitions to the art gallery, and various political institutions.
Isidora at the Shi Lin Stone Forest (photo: Isidora Bašanović)
The ancient town of Lijiang (photo: Isidora Bašanović)
How was the social aspect?
Wonderful. The first of my top three most memorable moments include: travelling to Yunnan province with one of my friends from Denmark, Peter. In just four days we explored the capital city, Kunming, as well as Lijiang, Shangri-la, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Shi Lin Stone Forest. It was the most beautiful and exciting trip of my exchange. We experienced various climates, biomes and ethnic groups and languages within those four days.
My second-most fond memory was eating dumplings almost every day for a few weeks for lunch and drinking iced tea at the school canteen with my friend Andreas, originally from Cyprus. My third-most memorable moment was meeting Chime, who was pursuing her PhD studies in Linguistics, originally from Tibet. Together we organized a tandem language exchange. Every week we would get together and practice speaking English for one hour, and Chinese the next. This helped her practice English with a native speaker, and this helped me practice my Chinese with a native speaker and learn about Tibetan culture.
My favourite part about campus life was Da Xue Lu. This is a street right behind the dorms where there are tons of cafés, restaurants and fresh fruit markets. The fruit was undeniably the best I’ve had in China, and the cafés were filled with students who came to socialize or study. This area offered dedicated spaces to be productive and have a balanced social life as well. I loved this area!
The Ancient City Wall: during Isidora’s travels to Xi-an, central China (photo: Isidora Bašanović)
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site, Terracotta Warriors (photo: Isidora Bašanović)
After the experience
Would you recommend this experience to others? What can they look forward to?
I would recommend that anyone interested in learning about Chinese culture, society and International Relations take on this experience at Fudan University. In this program, you can expect to learn from top professors from different countries and various backgrounds about foreign policy analysis, history and global governance of China and other countries. You can look forward to interactive and practical course content, professors who make time for you if you have questions or concerns, and if you choose to study the language, you can expect a robust Chinese Language Program!
Outside of my courses and travelling, I volunteered with both the British and Canadian Chambers of Commerce, where I met many professionals across various industries. I attended their events and volunteered with putting some of them on, such as Canada Day in Shanghai! These were wonderful opportunities to meet fellow Canadians abroad in Shanghai.
What was the impact on your academic and personal development?
Overall, this exchange experience further solidified my commitment and dedication to pursuing the Chinese language and keeping my career options open to the international sphere.
Isidora at the British Chamber of Commerce for the annual British Day Out event (photo: Isidora Bašanović)
Read more Go Global student stories.