Impressions of Shanghai Jiaotong and Nanjing Normal Universities?

[shushi]

Hi all,

I'm applying to these two universities (南京师范 and 上海交通大学) for a one-month Chinese language course this summer and am looking for some people who have attended (or know someone who has attended) either of these schools for a little insight and advice, so I can better choose where to study. Even if you haven't taken the summer course there but are familiar with the school in some other way, I'd still like to hear what you have to say. I'm curious about the campus and campus life just as much as about the academics. Any info would be appreciated.

Much thanks,

术士

[ala]

Hi all' date='

I'm applying to these two universities (南京师范 and 上海交通大学) for a one-month Chinese language course this summer and am looking for some people who have attended (or know someone who has attended) either of these schools for a little insight and advice, so I can better choose where to study. Even if you haven't taken the summer course there but are familiar with the school in some other way, I'd still like to hear what you have to say. I'm curious about the campus and campus life just as much as about the academics. Any info would be appreciated.

Much thanks,

术士[/quote']

One of my cousins went to Shanghai Jiaotong (Jiaoda). It's a top-tier national university. (Shanghai has two top-tier universities: Fudan and Jiaoda).

You will probably be at the International School located in Xujiahui District (the university has several campuses throughout Shanghai). Xuhui campus is in city proper and right by downtown; pretty convenient transportation-wise throughout the city. Xujiahui District is one of the commercial "centers" in Shanghai (the others are *Huaihai Rd/Luwan, *Nanjing Rd/Huangpu, *Jing'anshi, *Hongqiao/Changning, and *Pudong/Lujiazui; all within 20 minutes of commute).

Shanghai is a really large city with a lot to do, so you'll have a lot of fun outside of school in that one month, public and taxi transportation are very well developed and cheap. Good inexpensive food is also everywhere so you probably don't need to bother with eating at dining halls.

Nanjing is a pretty small city IMO. Also, Nanjing Shida is less famous than Jiaoda, but Jiaoda is best known for its engineering and science departments. I'm not too sure if the school you are applying to is directly affiliated with the actual Jiaoda though, maybe in a lesser way.

[RobinChase]

Acturally I graduated from Shanghai Jiaotong University ,and the language school is not really owned by Jiaotong. Jiaotong is one of the best engineering university in Shanghai. And many other language schools just use its name.But you can sure find your fun here in Shanghai. A lot of fun. So, welcome to shanghai and enjoy it.

If you find any problem about Shanhai, maybe I can help. Email me at caimin.edu@263.net.

[RobinChase]

And the language schools are all in Xujiahui. With the school name Siyuan, Jiaotong University, and many other names I even foggot most of them.

[cellofallon]

I studied for three weeks at Nanjing Normal University in November 2003. I paid for one to one tuition as my time there was short. My impression of the staff was that they were experienced and well qualified. They have a centre of research for HSK training. The campus itself is quite compact with some beautiful traditional style two storey buildings with sweeping eaves situated around a central grass square. Nanjing iteself is a busy city with plenty of amenities and western getaways. Nanjing Uni down the road from the Normal Uni has plenty of international students and a long history of links with the US.

Feedback from students that I met during my time there was less favourable. They felt the teachers only taught in the Chinese style with little room for group work or other types of learning. However, I believe you would find this to be the case in most Chinese Universities.

Staff in the international office were generally friendly and helpful. The accommodation was not brilliant, standard dorms really with no washing machines except asking to borrow the long-term Korean students for a shot..but this shouldn't worry you if you will rent an apartment outside. I met plenty of students who had chosen to do this.

Hope this helps.

If you do go to Nanjing take the book "A good German in nanjing" with you, and visit the Memorial Hall of the Nanjing massacre.