With its lively, bustling major thoroughfares, and the growing cultural relevance of its arts, music, theatre, ballet, opera, cinema, and universities, Shanghai can legitimately claim to be the most dynamic, exciting city in China today. Fudan University Hosted at Fudan University, one of China's premier institutions, the Lexia program encourages students to fully experience this transforming city, often seen as the seat of forerunners of social and political thought in China. The faculty of the Lexia program is comprised primarily of Chinese professors from Fudan University. The program is designed to be academically challenging and demanding, but it allows ample time for students to become acquainted with the local culture. During the first few days of each term, all students are involved with the Lexia Orientation to China, which outlines the academic requirements and the logistics of living in China.
Orientation is a required, but non-graded, program component.
Participation in the remainder of the program is contingent upon attendance during Orientation. Students meet the staff and other participants and are introduced to the Lexia approach of staggered courses and components. They also become familiar with their new home through lectures, field trips, group discussions, walking tours, selected readings, films and social gatherings. The Resident Director and staff address topics such as housing, health and safety, transportation and recreation in the host city and country. General issues concerning living in a foreign culture and being an American or Canadian abroad are considered, as well as the challenges of cross-cultural learning and living.