During the spring term of 2015, ME has altogether embraced 46 international exchange students from Purdue University, Pennsylvania State University, ESIEE Paris, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Lucerne University, The University of Auckland, Monash University. The curriculum designed for these students includes some cultural courses such as Introduction to Chinese Culture, Chinese Language, Intercultural Teamwork, etc. and other English-speaking ones like Engineering Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer Theory, Engineering Materials, etc. Besides, ME has held a variety of activities like teaching in Shanghai Turbine Primary School as Volunteers, Kite-Flying in April, City Puzzle, My SJTU Story, etc. the prize-winning pictures in My SJTU Story will be made into postcards to be sold for money to help children in welfare homes. 

 

In July, as My SJTU Story came to an end, these students who have lived and learned at ME this spring term will have to pack their bags and leave SJTU.

 

 

Specialized Courses and Cultural Courses are Both My Favorite.

Engineering Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer Theory, Engineering Materials are all English-speaking courses taught by professors of ME, making different impressions on these international students. Some of them “are keen on engineering courses. They are similar to those of Purdue University, putting more emphasis on laying a solid foundation for their study” while others thought “the courses are a little bit simple”. In classes, students also were active in their interaction with teachers. Kevin, a student from Purdue University described his specialized courses “I need to pay full attention to the class and take notes as many as possible”. Students have gradually adapted themselves fairly well to the teaching methods of SJTU though difference exists between SJTU and those of universities in America and Europe. “The longer the class takes, the more homework will be assigned, thus more knowledge can also be transferred from teachers to student in class.” What’s more, international students are greatly attracted by the courses of Introduction to Chinese Culture and Chinese Language. Meanwhile, they tried to explore Shanghai and much enjoyed the integration of Chinese cultural culture with western culture. They still think that what was taught in these classes were far from enough. “Even with more classes, I can learn much better.”

 

 

We ourselves are part of Chinese Culture

“We ourselves are already become a part of Chinese culture.” After five months here, international students gained more knowledge of Chinese culture and had their personal understanding about how to integrate themselves into it. ME has held a great variety of activities for them for the experience and integration of Chinese culture such as Spring Festival Party, Happy Dumpling Culture Party, the international intercultural communication activity of Footprints in SJTU, City Puzzle-Shanghai, A Bite of China, Kite Flying in April, the cultural experience activity of Dragon Boat Festival. They enjoyed themselves very much and treasured their good time in China as well as the friendship shared with Chinese students.

 

 

Expecting to Attend More Chinese Volunteering Activities

 

 

During teaching volunteering activity, Matt as one of the volunteers, gave five-grade students an interesting class full of Chinese and international flavors. He said that without any previous similar experience, he didn’t feel relieved until he finally saw those cute and vibrant kids. Daniel thought it was really interesting since he shared with them stories about his homeland New Zealand as well as those funny stories happening in Shanghai and taught them singing, “heads, shoulders, knees and toes”, nothing can be more wonderful than the beautiful smiles on their faces.   

    
There are many suggestions offered by these international students like hoping that more information will be provided, for improvement of volunteering work. Matt said, “I welcome more such great volunteering activities.”