Unique experiential learning opportunity brings Arts students to Shanghai
A new international partnership between the Faculty of Arts and the College of Liberal Arts at Shanghai University helps students develop into globally minded citizens.
The initiative, led by Dr. Hongbing Yu, associate professor in the Department of Language, Literatures, and Cultures (LLC), brought 17 Arts students to Shanghai University to participate in an eight-day immersive workshop on “Civilization Dialogue in a Technology Age” (July 8-15, 2026). The workshop focused on the rise of new technologies and its impact on cultural studies, with sessions exploring topics such as the use of AI in food and recipe development, and the potential of digital humanities in research capacities.
Students received certificates of participation from the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Shanghai University during the closing ceremony.
This unique experience offered a combination of in-class and hands-on learning. Students engaged with visiting professors from Italy, Mexico, Ireland, and Canada, while also participating in field trips and cultural activities to learn more about ways of living in China. Dr. Yu brought students to different landmarks across Shanghai and challenged them to use their five senses to really dive into local life. The Arts students also learned Chinese calligraphy and folk dances from Shanghai University students, as part of the cultural learning program organized by the university’s teaching assistants.
“The best way to learn about the cultural traditions and contemporary practices in a place is to move beyond textbooks and theories,” says Dr. Yu. “It is important to see the lived realities and immerse yourself in that cultural community to gain new perspectives.”
Dr. Yu took students to experience a famous rou jia mo (肉夾饃) as part of their Autoethnography in the Five Senses workshop.
Ingrid Neagu, a recent graduate of the Language and Intercultural Relations (LIR) program and one of the participants in the summer workshop, was grateful to be able to cap off her undergraduate journey in such a transformative way.
“Going into this experience, I did not know what to expect,” says Neagu. “I feel really lucky to have been a part of this workshop, and the skills and insight I’ve gained are things I can apply to my career aspirations as well as other spheres of my life.”
Aside from the lessons of the workshop, Neagu also appreciated learning about China and experiencing its cultural practices and artifacts firsthand, stripping away many preconceived notions about what life is like in a different part of the world.
Students doing arts and crafts inspired by traditional Chinese symbols.
Third-year LIR student Janna Ojah-Maharaj jumped at the opportunity to participate in this workshop. After taking a course taught by Dr. Yu, LIR200 “Critical Practices in Intercultural Relations,” in which she recalls gaining many new perspectives and learnings, she felt certain that this experience would further deepen her knowledge and skills in her program.
“This workshop was so formative and genuinely thought-provoking,” says Ojah-Maharaj. “Every person I interacted with provided me with a new idea to consider. It forced me to think critically while also seeing the value and importance of engaging in conversations with people that don’t necessarily align with my own opinions.”
Janna Ojah-Maharaj presenting during one of the in-class sessions.
Being fully immersed in a different cultural and academic environment helped push Ojah-Maharaj outside of her comfort zone.
“I can honestly say that I grew a lot through this trip and became more confident in sharing my own ideas,” she said.
The success of the inaugural workshop has led to discussions on future collaborations between the Faculty of Arts and the College of Liberal Arts at Shanghai University, showcasing the importance of investing in intercultural and international partnerships to enhance the student learning journey.
To learn more about the Language and Intercultural Relations program, visit the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures website.