Chinese and international students do experiments together in a small-class setting. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Student-centered

Before Moldovan student Marcela Railean entered NYU Shanghai, she was not only interested in learning about the Chinese language and culture, but also found the abundant opportunities that Shanghai offered appealing.

"I thought China would provide the best opportunity for me to grow as a person－to become even more independent," says the 21-year-old business and finance senior from Eastern Europe.

"NYU Shanghai is not just an established university where we would have to follow the rules. Students are encouraged to help shape the way it evolves and develops."

International students make up about half of the university's intake. Railean enjoys studying with students from different backgrounds in small-class settings, interacting with professors directly and tapping into the wide range of resources offered by the university.

"Unlike many European universities, where you find you are on your own, the university is reaching out to you and trying to get you involved in different things," she says.

Apart from offering the flexibility of a US education, the university has also become a gateway for students to learn more about China. Many of the business classes and internships Railean took part in were related to China, which fitted with her plan to work in a company with links to the country. "China is the future," she says.

Despite all the achievements NYU Shanghai has made, challenges remain.

"The biggest challenge is to incorporate two different education systems and cultures into one university. It requires lots of thought," says Yu.

"Our exploration of higher education is an ongoing process, and it will always continue to be."