China
Accommodations and Accessibility
Early planning is key. First, it’s important to share your requests for academic, mental health, diet, religious practices, housing, physical disabilities, and other accommodations early. Connect with your IFSA Enrollment Counselor or with our Health, Safety and Wellness team at hsw@ifsa-butler.org as soon as possible.
Accommodations. The information you share on your health and wellness and housing forms supports this process. After receiving these forms, our Health and Wellness team will follow up as needed to help you arrange accommodations you may need. Our goal is to plan carefully with your help, working with our Argentina team as needed.
Academic accommodations. The IFSA team will review each student’s needs individually and plan accordingly. We strive to meet your needs in all IFSA classes.
Mobility. Many travelers think of Shanghai as China’s most accessible city. Most of Shanghai’s must-see attractions are accessible to individuals with a variety of disabilities, specifically those with mobility needs. Some adaptations may be needed but can often be achieved with advanced planning.
Shanghai’s public transit system is largely accessible with extra planning and patience. If you need mobility accommodations, know that it’s important to notify station staff members before boarding trains and subways. Learn more:
Mental and Physical Health
Maintaining your mental and physical health while abroad is a priority, and we’re ready to help you plan to support both.
Early planning is key. Please share your requests for academic, mental health, diet, religious practices, housing, physical disabilities, and other accommodations early in the planning process. Connect with your IFSA Enrollment Counselor or with our Health, Safety and Wellness team at hsw@ifsa-butler.org as soon as possible.
Mental health. For the most part, China’s views on mental health are less advanced than in many other countries. Reputation is important, and mental health often takes a back seat to academic, social, and career pursuits. Mental health services and professionals are available but limited. If you anticipate needing support abroad, let us know in advance. We’ll do our best to work with CISI insurance and make arrangements before you depart.
Sports and fitness. Check with the IFSA team about CISI insurance coverage for injuries sustained during sports. Coverage is generally broad but there are exceptions for high-level competition.
Considerations for Women
While China has enacted laws to protect women and grant equal access, there is work to be done. Women are expected to play both modern and traditional roles, managing households, looking after children and parents, and having successful careers. At the same time, China faces a challenging gender imbalance where men outnumber women.
China is generally considered safe. The most common types of crime are scams, theft, and other petty crimes, which are more likely to occur in crowded areas. During orientation, the IFSA team will provide tips, guidelines, and resources to help you stay safe.
In terms of dress, women should avoid clothing that is lowcut or revealing, to fit cultural norms. Note that tampons have been in short supply, though alternatives are widely available.
More to explore:
- How to Look Like a Local in China, GoAbroad.com
- Women’s Groups in Shanghai, SmartShanghai.com
Race and Ethnicity
Although China is ethnically diverse, it is racially homogenous. Often, the only students of color on Chinese campuses who do not identify as Asian are other study-abroad students. IFSA students of Asian, European, and Hispanic descent could have very different experiences. Some students have experienced overt and covert racial discrimination, from staring and hair-touching to receiving derogatory comments.
Despite this, most students report these experiences happen without menace, often because of myth and ignorance. Students of color also report positive experiences and care and support from the IFSA community. Heritage seekers—students who have cultural or ethnic roots in China—might have different experiences than other students. Again, our IFSA teams in the U.S. and China are here to talk through this with you.
More to explore:
- China Destination Guide, Diversity Abroad
- Ethnic Minorities in China: the Mongols, Tibetans, Manchus and Naxi, Asiasociety.org
- Heritage Seekers Traveling Abroad, Diversity Abroad
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Over the past decade, Shanghai has become known as one of China’s more welcoming cities to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The city launched Shanghai Pride, an annual event, in 2009 (pride parades are not allowed under a government ban on protest or political expression of any kind).
Homosexuality is legal in China, but partners in civil unions have limited rights. LGBTQIA+ visitors should be aware of cultural norms. For example, it is common for friends of the same sex to hold hands, but further displays of public affection are uncommon.
More to explore:
- LGBT Rights in China, Equaldex
- For China’s LGBTQ community, safe spaces are becoming harder to find, NBC News, 2023
- Is China LGBTQIA+ Friendly? Intrediptravel.com
- Transgender People and Airport Security , Advocates for Trans Equality
More Support
From help managing money abroad to supporting first-generation college students, our professional advising staff and onsite teams are here for you.
Student Perspectives
Read about living and learning in China: Student Stories.