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True understanding comes from immersion, not just instruction.
Lilly Gessner, NYU Shanghai (Fall 2025)
What is your favorite memory from your study away experience?
One of my favorite memories from my study away experience was joining the NYU A Cappella group. Before coming to Shanghai, I had never done a cappella, but I felt that studying abroad was a perfect opportunity to try new activities. We performed at the Shanghai American School, at the Christmas Market on the Bund, and even for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, being involved with this on-campus group allowed me to engage more with both international and national full-time students – something that I had hoped to do while in Shanghai. Our long Monday night rehearsals became a highlight of my week. We even had the chance to have some of the DKU A Cappella group students down to the NYU campus!
What was a class activity that stood out to you during your program?
NYU provided us the unique opportunity to take a class called “City as Text” alongside students from their Global Liberal Studies (GLS) program. The class endeavored to teach students about the local character of Shanghai from interdisciplinary perspectives that include Arts and Media, Politics, Economics, and the social practices of everyday life.
We had readings and discussions to provide a theoretical framework in addition to site visits throughout the semesters. For example, we went to Nanjing Road, The House of Roosevelt, Lujiazui Financial District, the Bund, and Yu Garden. With only 7 students in the class, four of whom were the other Duke students I went with, we formed a close-knit community, and we even went to KTV as a group to celebrate the end of the semester.
What was your favorite excursion that you went on?
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One of my favorite excursions from my study away experience was my trip to Beijing. First, we had the chance to take the high-speed train to Beijing from Shanghai, which was super easy. During our first day, we had the chance to tour around Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City. Having learned a lot about the history in both of these locations, it was really interesting to be in the space where everything happened.
On the second day, we took a bus out to the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall. The Great Wall left me in awe. While photos often depict how the wall seems to endlessly extend over the hills, being there was such a powerful experience. From every angle that you view, the wall continues on and on. Additionally, the historic legacy and construction reflect the centuries of the remarkable engineering capabilities and resilience of ancient civilizations. Beijing was an incredible trip and super fun to share with Duke friends, NYU Shanghai friends, and some Georgetown students we met in the CIEE Shanghai program.
Where were your favorite places to go in your host city?
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Shanghai is recognized as the most populous city in China and one of the largest in the world by population, so I was worried that, as someone who has not lived in a large city, that I was going to feel very overwhelmed.
However, my fears were immediately quelled when I got to the NYU Shanghai dorms. Our dorms were located in Pudong, which is the newer, more spread out side of the city. On this side of the city, the urban planning was really well thought out. There are parks everywhere, and a path that goes along the river for over 22 km! One of my favorite activities was running around these different parks and along the river.
Friendsgiving (Thanksgiving with friends) with my friends from NYU, NYUSH, and Georgetown (CIEE).
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Next to our dorms is the Shanghai Expo Park
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Exploring the Shanghai Botanical Gardens with two Duke friends.
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Exploring the Shanghai Botanical Gardens.
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Photo from the hike with two Duke friends!
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Why did you decide to do this program?
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I chose this program because I wanted to fully immerse myself in a new environment and take advantage of the chance to live abroad while I’m still mostly free from major life commitments. Additionally, having studied Chinese for a number of years, I felt it would be a good chance to immerse myself in the language and culture. It felt like the perfect opportunity to push myself and experience something completely different. Duke's Global Education Office allowed for me to feel confident in taking a step outside of my comfort zone.
How have your ideas and perceptions changed as a result of doing this program?
My greatest takeaway from this program is how much being immersed in Shanghai broadened my global perspective. Even with some prior knowledge of the language, navigating daily life and engaging with the culture gave me a much deeper understanding of how people think, work, and connect in Shanghai. Seeing Shanghai’s mix of traditional aspects and innovation influence left a deep impact on me. This experience pushed me to think more openly and globally than ever before.
What advice do you have for other students considering this program?
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I’d encourage students, whether considering this program or other study abroad programs, to really engage with the people around them. For me, building connections with other students and people in your home city makes the experience that much richer. Specifically, for the NYUSH program, the program’s proximity to the city center and the unique opportunities for travel throughout China and Asia, is the perfect chance to explore as much as you can while you’re here.