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Author: veronica.bocanegramonsalve

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By Tai Pham (MSBA)

As I scrolled through my photo library, memories of my time in China last fall kept flooding back. 

Studying abroad at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, was never in my bucket list when I began my master’s degree at the George Washington University School of Business (GWSB). It was an intuitive decision, one I made almost on a whim, but looking back, I’m so glad I took the leap.  

The idea of studying abroad crossed my mind since my undergraduate days. Unfortunately, the pandemic put those plans on hold infinitely. It wasn’t until the middle of my master’s program that the opportunity resurfaced. For me, studying abroad wasn’t just about earning credits, it was about expanding my worldview. I wanted to see what other cultures value, how they operate and innovate, and where the US stands in comparison. In other words, I was curious about where I stand in the world.  

I wanted to immerse myself in Asia, where there blooms a large population of younger, more vibrant, and active generations. While GWSB offers multiple programs in other Asian countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong, I was particularly drawn to China. Western media often portrays China not so positive in many ways, but I wanted to see it by myself. In addition, I had also heard so much about Chinese entrepreneurship and the exceptional ways to run small businesses. To truly understand, this was my chance to experience it firsthand.  

Fudan University in Shanghai stood out as the perfect choice. As one of China’s most prestigious universities, Fudan has a long history of academic excellence and global collaboration. A quick Google search revealed its strong partnerships with other institutions, and I was eager to connect with other like-minded individuals, learn from professors around the world, and gain insights on Shanghai’s role as one of global financial hubs. Plus, there was a personal touch – my childhood love for the Bund theme song by Frances Yip added a nostalgic touch to make this dream a reality.  

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By Tai Pham (MSBA)

I touched down at Shanghai Pudong Airport at 4:50 pm on a Tuesday, exhausted but excited. By the time I stepped off the plane, I had been traveling for nearly 40 hours from Washington Dulles, including a 20-hour layover. To save $150, I had opted for an older aircraft with less-than-stellar service, but it was okay—I was finally in China. 

With me, I carried a checked bag, a carry-on, and an X2 visa valid for less than six months. What I didn’t have was a return ticket or any knowledge of the local language. Thankfully, I came prepared in other ways: I had downloaded essential navigation apps, linked my credit card to Alipay (a must for cashless payments in China), set up VPN for internet access, and mapped out my route to the hotel using public transportation. I planned to stay at the hotel until I could find an apartment. 

After clearing customs and filling out a few forms, I exchanged some cash (for super emergency), hopped on the Shanghai Maglev Train, a marvel of modern engineering that covers 18 miles in just eight minutes. From there, I transferred to two different metro lines before finally reaching my hotel. Exhausted but relieved, I checked in and collapsed into bed. 

One thing that immediately stood out to me was how easy and affordable it was to navigate Shanghai’s public transportation system. Signs were posted in both Chinese and English, making it simple for international travelers like me to get around. This was a relief, especially after such a long journey. 

The weather for Wednesday morning was perfect—sunny and warm—so I decided to explore the area. I started my day with a coffee at a Starbucks Reserve (yes, my first coffee in China!), then wandered around. At one point, I took a detour at a big intersection, not realizing there was an underground tunnel for crossing. It was a small reminder of how much I still had to learn about navigating this new city. 

My plan for the day was straightforward: meet my Fudan exchange coordinator, gain campus access, explore the university and surrounding area, and prepare for a course that would begin the next day. As it turned out, I was the first exchange student to arrive on campus. The university was still on summer break, and the IT team responsible for granting campus access was away. Fortunately, I was able to get a physical ID card—and to be honest, I liked the photo on it 10 times better than my GWorld card at GW. 

Thursday morning marked the start of my 3-credit finance course, Portfolio Optimization and Risk Management. The class focused on options trading and risk calculation, and it was entirely lecture-based, conducted in English. My classmates were part of Fudan University’s 2-year International MBA program, and I quickly realized how different this course was from my usual classes at GW. 

Unlike the traditional 3-hour lectures spread over 12 weeks, this course was condensed into four intense days. Each day began at 8 am sharp and wrapped up around 5 pm. It was a whirlwind, but I appreciated the immersive format. During lunch breaks, I joined my classmates at the school cafeteria, where I tried classic Chinese dishes like tomato egg stir-fry, roasted duck, and rice. The meal was delicious, and it was a great opportunity to bond with my peers before diving back into the afternoon lectures.  

The same rigorous routine continued for the next three days, and on Sunday afternoon, I took the final exam which had an open-note policy. This was the very first finance course that I’ve ever taken, and I found it incredibly useful – especially if I decide to apply what I learned as a side hustle in the future.  

Looking back, those first few days in Shanghai were a mix of excitement, challenges, and new discoveries. From navigating the city’s efficient public transportation system to exploring Fudan University’s campus and diving into an intensive finance course, every moment was a learning experience.  

The connections I made during this course turned out to be invaluable. While one classmate helped me find my apartment during my stay in Shanghai, another introduced me to other local attractions, hidden food gems, and cultural nuances that I wouldn’t have discovered on my own.

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Just hit submit. The rest can be figured out later.

That morning, my Long-Term Study Abroad (LTSA) application to Switzerland was ready to go—except for one thing. I hadn’t hit send. Then, for the third time that winter break, my MBA friend texted: “Did you submit it yet?” Deep breath. Click. Nine months later, I was boarding a plane to Paris, then Zurich, then hopping on a train to my new home for the next three months: St. Gallen, Switzerland.
I’d always dreamed of studying abroad. A short trip to Costa Rica sparked the travel bug, and I had plans for Oxford and Brazil—until COVID shut everything down. When I started my MBA at GWU and saw the list of long-term study abroad options (Switzerland, France, Argentina!), I knew I had to make it happen.
After some reflection, encouragement (and a little friendly pressure), I chose the University of St. Gallen— one of Europe’s top business schools, perfectly located for weekend adventures.

Instead of traveling before classes, I spent my first week soaking in St. Gallen. I explored its historic Abbey, made friends over grocery runs, hiked, swam, and indulged in rounds of Swiss food and trivia nights. Over the next three months, I wandered through Germany, Austria, Czechia, Italy, and Switzerland—watching summer fade into a breathtaking autumn and, in my final week, snowfall over St. Gallen. 

For 10 weeks, I joined the International Study Programme (ISP), designed for MBA students worldwide to experience life at USG. With classes running from 8 AM to 6 PM, our days were packed with deep discussions, group projects, and plenty of bonding. The focus? Business and governance in Europe. But my favorite part? Working with USG’s incredible career team—they helped me refine my professional path with so much care and insight.

I ended my journey in the French Alps at L’Abri, a place for young seekers to ask thought-provoking questions. It was the perfect way to close a life-changing chapter. 

So, should you spend three months in a brand-new country? Absolutely. Hit submit—you won’t regret it. Consider this the friendly reminder that my friend kindly gave to me! 

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