"They'll give you the most outrageous price . . . but you argue with them, you negotiate and bargain. Everything in the country could be 50 percent off, if you try. It was a little weird," Raia said. They also noted that the subway system, which they say is extremely advanced in comparison to New York City's, shuts down late at night. Ms. Prelvukaj, a political science student, said the lifestyle on campus was a lot different than what she is used to. She noted everyone she encountered was respectful and disciplined. "The whole campus was silent," she explained. "You don't see kids making loud noises, making fools of themselves or cursing." In addition, said the students, pupils living in China attending Shanghai University are from much smaller families and living in a stricter environment. For example, said Ms. Prelvukaj, children are extremely obedient of what their parents demand from them. "It's a quickly-growing program and it's an important country and a growing culture," said Russell Davis, CUNY China Programs coordinator for the City University of New York. Davis said the trip is an "eye-opener" for CSI's students, yet, Shanghai is a lot like New York City. "It's a good, low-cost quality program that really plugs you into the culture," the professor added. "Everyone should do it," said Ms. Prelvukaj.
Studying in China through College of Staten Island Students who recently returned came back enthusiastic about the experience. Who is eligible Students with a grade-point average of 2.5 and with a semester already completed are welcome to participate in the month-long experience. "If you could speak English, you could go," said Russell Davis, CUNY China Programs coordinator for the City University of New York. "The idea is to include as many as possible." Program's history The College of Staten Island's International program has had a presence since the 1980s. Students initially visited Italy, but in the last 20 years, have expanded to China. For information Call 718-982-2100 or visit www.csi.cuny.edu/international.
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