Fall 2024 welcomed 64 NYU New York graduate students to NYU Shanghai through the Semester Study Programs. Students from NYU SPS’s Integrated Marketing and Management and Analytics programs (SPS Start@NYU Shanghai), as well as NYU Tandon’s Management of Technology (MOT Shanghai-NYC) program, made Shanghai their classroom for the fall. From immersive learning experiences to exploring the city’s vibrant culture, this semester has been a transformative start to their graduate studies. Here, five students share their unique journeys, offering a glimpse into the academic, cultural, and personal growth they experienced during their fall semester in Shanghai.
Ava Kaveh: Exploring Marketing through a Global Lens
For Ava, starting her Master’s in Integrated Marketing at NYU SPS with a semester in Shanghai was an experience that exceeded all expectations. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she shared, emphasizing how studying marketing in both American and Chinese contexts broadened her global perspective. "I gained a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and the marketing industry, which I think will make me a more adaptable and effective marketer in the future."
Beyond academics, Ava appreciated the welcoming community at NYU Shanghai. "I was the only international student in my cohort, but the professors, classmates, and the OGAE staff made me feel right at home," she said. "SPS Start@NYU Shanghai made me feel so comfortable and welcomed, for which I am extremely grateful."
Ava’s semester wasn’t all academics. She explored iconic landmarks in Beijing and Sichuan, enjoying regional cuisines and immersing herself in Chinese culture. "During university breaks, I visited Beijing and Sichuan, which was so much fun—trying different regional cuisines, learning about cultural history, visiting iconic landmarks, and more!"
Ava, Justin, and Kolbrun at the Incubating the Next Leaders event
Xiwei Yang: Building Leadership and Community
As a member of the Graduate Student Leadership Board, Xiwei Yang found that the tight-knit academic community at NYU Shanghai was a perfect match for her leadership ambitions. "The small community at NYU Shanghai has greatly enriched my study experience, offering abundant opportunities for interaction with our professors and fostering a highly engaging academic environment," she shared. "Beyond the classroom, NYU Shanghai hosts a variety of events, such as the ‘Incubating the Next Leaders’ networking event, which allows us to connect with professionals and help us build essential networking skills for our future careers."
Her leadership role also gave her opportunities to organize events that brought students together. "I highly recommend seizing every opportunity to engage with the community and participate in every event. These experiences are not only fun but also incredibly valuable for personal and professional growth."
Xinwei (first from right) and Ava (second from left) at the Farewell Lunch event
Justin Seymour-Welch: Teamwork and Transformation in Technology
For Justin, who came to the MOT Shanghai-NYC program with a background in public health and a passion for Mandarin, his semester in Shanghai was a testament to the power of collaboration. As the only native English speaker in a diverse cohort, Justin learned that teamwork transcends language and culture. “Every day I’m reminded that we’re all in this together,” he reflected, appreciating the program’s emphasis on leadership alongside technical skills.
Justin’s previous study-abroad experience in Shanghai allowed him to marvel at the city’s rapid transformation into a tech-forward metropolis. Reflecting on Shanghai's rapid transformation, Justin added, "I was in Shanghai six years ago on a study-abroad program, so this time around I’ve enjoyed seeing all the changes. Even in that relatively short time, the city has become increasingly futuristic. This is definitely a tech-first society."
His advice for future students is simple yet profound: embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth. "You shouldn’t always be comfortable; a little discomfort leads to growth," he said, urging others to take the leap.
Justin, Kolbrun, and Ava (from left to right, first, second, and third in the front row) at Orientation
Zhuoyi Zou: Forging Connections Across Borders
Zhuoyi chose the MOT Shanghai-NYC program to deepen his expertise in finance, blending his Canadian education with international opportunities. "I attended a school in my native China that used a Canadian-based curriculum, so when it was time to choose an undergraduate program, it seemed natural to attend the University of Toronto. I studied finance and wanted to continue following that path, so where better to do that than New York City?" he shared. "The added benefit to Tandon’s Shanghai-NYC program, as compared to other schools, is that I got to return home for a while after being in Canada for so long. It was like the best of all worlds."
Zhuoyi emphasized the invaluable guidance of his professors, who bring real-world experience to the classroom. "They’ve really stressed the importance of building relationships, starting with our professors, who all have practical industry experience and are fonts of information and guidance."
He also appreciated his role in the Graduate Student Leadership Board. "I’m actually on the program’s inaugural graduate student leadership board, and we’ve planned workshops and social events that have allowed me to meet people from all over the world."
Zhuoyi (first from left) at the Speed Friending Event
Kolbrun Bragadottir: Surprises and Success in Shanghai
Coming from a tech background in Iceland, Kolbrun found the MOT Shanghai-NYC program to be the perfect way to strengthen her business skills. "I’ve always loved technology, so I studied industrial engineering at the University of Iceland and then got a job as a product and project manager at a credit bureau in Reykjavik. I learned a lot there and loved my coworkers, but I realized I wanted to gain a stronger background in business," she said, describing her journey.
Kolbrun and Justin participating in the Lunch with Leadership Event
Kolbrun was particularly impressed by her Financial Analysis for Technology Managers course. "It’s impossible to pinpoint just one thing, as I have learned a lot. Everyone here is great, but if I had to pick, it would be Professor Joel Gallo’s class. He teaches Financial Analysis for Technology Managers, and it covers so much that is applicable to project management."
Shanghai itself turned out to be an unexpected joy. "To be honest, I had no idea what I was signing up for—moving to a country where I didn’t know a soul or even the language," she admitted. "I’m thrilled to say that Shanghai has really surprised me. It’s not just a fun, beautiful city; it’s also an exceptionally easy place to live. I love everything about it—the culture, the food, and the lovely people."
To read the full student testimonials from the MOT Shanghai-NYC Program, click here.