Mobility specification

Country:China

Institution:Zhejiang University

City:Hangzhou

Program:Intergovernmental agreements

Activity type:Study

Academic year:2023/2024

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Arts / Center for Chinese Studies

Study level abroad:Bachelor

🎓Hit the books! How do you rate the university experience?

Can you enroll in a course where you can learn the local language?yes

Are your credits converted?yes

Can you give an example?Depending on the amount of hours per week, e.g. 2 hours a week = 2 MU credits

Was there anything in the teaching methods that surprised you?The teaching method was different, everything was very theoretical, like a lecture. There wasn't much opportunity to practice speaking.

Does the university offer international students' programs and activities outside of lectures and seminars to help them integrate more quickly?There are options, but you have to look for them yourself.

In which areas does the university offer support for students with special needs and strive to be inclusive?Special examination conditions (e.g., extended time, quiet rooms)

💸Did you have to rob the bank?

Try to take a guess at what your monthly expenditures were:9000 CZK/month

Did you stay in dorms?yes

What about unexpected expenses? Did anything surprise you?I had to pay a dorm deposit on the spot (800元) and had to purchase my own bedsheets (from school or elsewhere).

Do you have any tips on how to save money?China is super cheap so it's not difficult, I ate at canteens a lot.

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How does public transport work in the city?mostly fine

And what about transport outside the city?runs like clockwork

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?Metro and bus tickets - QR code in Alipay. Train and plane tickets - trip.com.

Did you deal with any health issues during your stay?yes

How do you rate the availability of healthcare?neutral

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What is a must-see in the city?Bamboo forest right behind the dorm, Xihu very close, Xixi wetlands, city centre.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Closest is the tea plantation, other cities like Shanghai, Suzhou, Ningbo, Nanjing are just about an hour by train.

Share your best experience:My favorite city is Chongqing, but I also recommend going to Guilin and Zhangjiajie.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?yes

Where can it be arranged?Embassy

What is needed?Offer letter from university, you will be informed of everything.

How long does it take approximately?2 weeks, now even less

How did you get to the place?Plane

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?Get a Didi from the airport (you can find it in Alipay app) or if you can't, take the metro to Huanglong centre - about 15 mins by foot away from dorm. Adress of the dorm is 浙江大学玉泉留学生楼. Download Baidu maps, Apple maps also work.

What not to forget when packing?You can buy clothes very cheap there. Bring plug adapters. It's difficult to find deodorant and tampons in stores.

🥳Summary

Whew, what a ride! 😮‍💨 Thanks so much for taking the time to complete our survey and for sharing your unique experience. Just one last thing. 🙏 How would you summarize your trip in one or two sentences?Chinese people are very chaotic, but also super kind. They love foreigners and will be taking pictures with you, sometimes without consent. But it's absolutely worth it. The food, the bubble tea, the statue of Mao in the campus, I miss all of it.