63 reviews
4.11 / 5 based on 63 reviews

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“Don’t recommend”
Kate
Bulgaria, Other courses
, 2026
Overall
I do not recommend enrolling in the Chinese language program at Fudan University. The curriculum is based on outdated textbooks and vocabulary that is often impractical. The truly good instructors can be counted on one hand. Most simply conduct classes by saying, "Read the textbook twice, then we'll answer the questions together." On top of that, most teachers speak little to no English, which is a serious problem for students in beginner-level classes.
The administration's attitude is incredibly rude. They may take weeks to respond to emails, and if you visit the office in person, they treat you as though they're doing you a personal favor just by speaking to you. Overall, Fudan University is more about prestige and reputation than actual quality. It's attractive packaging with rather questionable content.
I also want to mention the dormitory separately. It is expensive, and about half of the rooms have windows facing directly into other rooms, making it impossible to keep the curtains open. Even if you book a single room, you may arrive only to discover that it contains two beds taking up almost all of the available space. You are not allowed to remove the extra bed.
There are technically mattresses, but sleeping on them feels like lying on a wooden board because they are only a few centimeters thick. Electricity, Wi-Fi, and water are all charged separately.
The staff at the reception desk are just as rude. The last time I went there to resolve an issue, a young Chinese employee was sitting there playing on his phone and simply told me to wait.
They also like to carry out room inspections by barging into students' rooms without proper notice. One of my friends was completely naked when five men suddenly entered her room to inspect the plumbing.
Overall, I would strongly recommend renting an apartment instead. It will likely be both cheaper and a much better experience.
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Careers
Pros
Just read the review
Cons
-

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Sandra K
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your English?
My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
At Fudan University the language of instruction was English, so there wasn't any problem with that. However, with my Chinese it was hard to pass all the administrative stuff (police...). In China nearly anybody can speak English or another "not Asian language".
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Kun S
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Nightlife, Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Shanghai is a amazing international city, especially the nightlife."Yu Garden" is a nice place to eat traditional Chinese food and feel Chinese culture. Moreover, There are alot of famous cafes in the HengShan Road.
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Sveti A
Overall
I wish I had known...
not really.. buy yourself a good guide for china such as the lonely planet one!
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Go! I had such a great time so far! At first you can't wait to go home and after a couple of months you dont want to leave!
Unfortunately I only have 4 months left here..
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career

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Belinda V
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your English?
My level before: Did not speak it
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
In class we spoke english, we just had 3 hours each week learning Chinese. A great way to learn chinese, but if you should understand chinese- you should dedicate a whole year to just study chinese.
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Belinda V
Academic
Course recommendations
We where focusing on China market; marketing, the market, the culture, economy, law, business behaviour. For me as a marketer I just wanted one more course in segmenting the chinese people.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Not really, but the theachers should have a briefing about our knowledge before they set up a course for us. Our experience was that we knowed much more than the theahers belived.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course