Life at CEIBS

• Life at CEIBS

  Life at CEIBS moves quickly. It's highly interactive, deeply social, and from the first few weeks, students are already trying to balance coursework, group projects, networking, and the reality of settling into a new cultural environment. The whole experience is meant to feel immersive, not just academically, but professionally and personally too.

  One of the defining characteristics is the combination of international and local perspectives. Students work alongside peers from multiple countries while also learning directly from Chinese classmates who bring first-hand knowledge of the domestic market. This exchange creates a dynamic learning environment, and Shanghai plays a big role in this.

  As one of the world's most important business hubs, Shanghai gives students immediate exposure to companies, industries, and market trends. They are not simply studying China; they are living in it, moving through it, and in many cases working within it as well.

  Adjusting to this environment is part of the process. As Linjia Huang, an MBA graduate, reflected: 
  "The MBA experience introduced me to a very diverse group of people, made me constantly reflect on myself, and showed me many possibilities for the future."

  For many European students, this shift in perspective is one of the most valuable aspects of the programme.

Academic Workload and Programme Rhythm

The CEIBS academic experience is structured to be rigorous while remaining closely connected to real business practice. Programmes usually move from core courses to electives, allowing students to build a broad foundation before focusing on specific areas such as finance, strategy, or entrepreneurship. A typical week includes:

• lectures and case discussions
• group meetings and collaborative projects
• preparation for assignments and presentations
• career-related activities such as company briefings or recruitment events

The workload is demanding, particularly during core terms and recruitment periods. Students are expected to engage actively in class, contribute to discussions, and apply concepts in practical settings.

However, what makes the workload distinctive is the emphasis on applied learning. Students are not only learning frameworks but also testing them through projects and discussions with peers who bring real-world experience.

Panda Hu, a graduate, described the impact of this structure clearly:

"My studies at CEIBS have changed my mindset, helped me learn more about myself, developed my critical thinking abilities, and improved my interpersonal skills."

• Group work and case-based learning

  Group work is central to the CEIBS learning model. Students are placed into diverse teams, often working with people from different countries, industries, and professional backgrounds.

  This diversity impacts how problems are approached. A single case discussion might include perspectives from consulting, engineering, finance, and entrepreneurship, all within the same group. Students gain exposure to:

  • China-specific business challenges
  • international business practices
  • different approaches to leadership and decision-making

  The learning process is often intensive but highly engaging. Students treasure "the intense collaboration and communication" with classmates and professors, as one of the most memorable parts of their degree journey. 
   

• Managing academic intensity

  The pace of the programme requires students to quickly develop strong organisational and time management skills. Managing coursework, group projects, and recruitment activities simultaneously is part of the experience.

  Students often adopt strategies such as:

  • structured weekly planning
  • dividing responsibilities within teams
  • prioritising tasks based on deadlines and impact

  At the same time, they are adapting to life in a new country. This includes navigating a different language environment, adjusting to local norms, and building a new routine.

  The intensity can be challenging, but as Gaurav Nanda, an MBA graduate, described, the challenges are also where much of the development happens.

Cohort Culture and Collaboration

• Cohort Culture and Collaboration

  The CEIBS cohort is intentionally diverse, bringing together international students from multiple countries alongside Chinese professionals with strong local expertise. This creates a learning environment where global and local perspectives are constantly exchanged, both inside and outside the classroom.

  Peer learning and collaboration are central to the experience. Through group work, discussions, and informal interaction, students gain a deeper understanding of how business operates across different markets. For European students, this often means developing direct insight into China's business environment, understanding how decisions are shaped by local context, and learning to work effectively in cross-border teams. At the same time, Chinese students are exposed to international business practices and global approaches to management.

  Working closely with classmates helps students navigate differences in communication styles, expectations, and business norms, making the transition into a new environment more manageable. Mentorship and peer support further strengthen this process, creating a community where students learn from each other as much as from the curriculum.

  These relationships often extend beyond the programme, forming a long-term professional network that continues to support graduates throughout their careers. 

  As graduate Frank Peng put it:

  "Everyone has their own reasons for joining the CEIBS programme, but the strong sense of connection among alumni is a true reflection of the unique CEIBS culture."

Clubs, Communities, and Student Leadership

• Clubs, Communities, and Student Leadership

  Student-led clubs are a big part of everyday life at CEIBS and play an important role in shaping the overall student experience. They span a wide range of interests, including professional areas such as the Finance & Investment Club, Management Consulting Club, Healthcare Club, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Club, and AI and Digital Club, alongside international and cultural communities such as the International Club.

  These clubs are not passive groups but active, student-driven organisations. Students take on leadership roles, manage teams, and organise events that bring together classmates, alumni, and industry professionals. Activities often include company visits, guest speaker sessions, panel discussions, and large-scale forums, allowing students to engage directly with organisations operating in China and across global markets.

  This level of involvement provides practical experience, helping students develop leadership, teamwork, and event management skills while building confidence in professional settings. At the same time, clubs serve as an important bridge into the Shanghai business environment, helping students understand industries, expand their networks, and gain exposure to local and international companies.

  Panda Hu described this experience as highly rewarding:

  "I was honoured to initiate the first Social Impact Week… I received the fulfilment of idea spreading, the unity of the group, and the recognition of my classmates."

  For many students, these experiences become a defining part of their time at CEIBS, combining leadership development with real engagement in the business community.

Life in Shanghai

As one of the world's leading financial and commercial centres, Shanghai offers direct exposure to global companies, fast-growing Chinese enterprises, and a constantly evolving business environment. This makes everyday life closely connected to what students are studying, with the city itself becoming an extension of the classroom.

Shanghai is also a cultural centre where international and local influences coexist. Students experience a city that combines modern infrastructure with long-standing traditions, creating an accessible and distinct environment. For many European students, this means adjusting to a different pace of life, new social norms, and unfamiliar systems, while also finding points of familiarity through the city's international character.

Adapting to life in Shanghai is a gradual process. Students learn to navigate local customs, from communication styles to everyday interactions, while building routines that help them feel comfortable in a new environment. Engaging with classmates, exploring neighbourhoods, and participating in community activities all play a role in this transition. Over time, what initially feels unfamiliar becomes part of daily life.

Chayapol Vanichsavasdvichai, CEIBS MBA 2025 student ambassador, says:

"Living in Shanghai has opened my eyes in so many ways, changing how I see China. And I must confess, I've completely fallen in love with Shanghai, CEIBS, and the wonderful friendships I've formed here."

• Business and career environment

  Shanghai provides immediate access to the industries and companies that are central to CEIBS programmes. Students are surrounded by organisations across sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, consumer goods, and consulting, many of which are actively engaged with the school through events, projects, and recruitment.

  This allows students to observe and participate in how business is conducted in China. They gain exposure to local market dynamics, decision-making processes, and professional expectations, which often differ from those in Europe.

  Through company visits, networking events, and internship opportunities, students begin to understand how to operate within this environment. This includes learning how relationships are built, how business is conducted in China, and how organisations navigate a rapidly changing market. For many, this experience becomes a main advantage when pursuing careers in China or across Asia.
   

• Culture, food, and social life

  Daily life in Shanghai is shaped by a mix of international and local experiences. Students have access to a wide range of dining options, from traditional Chinese cuisine to international restaurants that reflect the city's global character. Meals often become social occasions, where classmates gather after classes or group work, building connections in informal settings.

  The social environment is equally diverse. Students move between campus events, informal gatherings, and the broader city, where they interact with both local residents and the international community. This creates a balance between familiar and new experiences, helping students adapt while still feeling connected.

  These experiences are closely tied to student life. Conversations about coursework, careers, and cultural differences often continue outside the classroom, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the CEIBS environment.

  As Jeanne de Gayffier (CEIBS MBA 2025) puts it:

  "Every country, every company, every team will teach you something new. Build trust, learn continuously, and always remember that people matter as much as strategy."

• Travel and exploration opportunities

  Living in Shanghai also provides a base for exploring China and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Many students use weekends and breaks to travel, either independently or with classmates, turning these experiences into an extension of their learning.

  Within China, students can visit different regions with distinct cultural identities and business environments, gaining a broader understanding of the country beyond Shanghai. Mark Malleczek, another CEIBS MBA 2025 student ambassador, said:

  "Given the opportunity to travel to cities like Chongqing, Chengdu, and Wuzhen with peers really opened my mind to how beautiful this country really is. Going on these trips made me look at China from another perspective and helped me appreciate the people, culture, and especially the food even more."

  Travel across Asia offers further exposure to regional markets and professional contexts, which is particularly relevant for those interested in international careers. These experiences also support cultural adaptation, helping students become more comfortable navigating new environments and understanding regional differences.

  For European students, this often becomes one of the most memorable and valuable aspects of their time at CEIBS, combining personal exploration with professional insight.
   

   

Housing and Lifestyle Basics

• Housing and Lifestyle Basics

  Students can choose between on-campus accommodation and off-campus housing in areas close to the CEIBS campus. Many prefer to live nearby to minimise commuting time, particularly during intensive academic periods when schedules are tightly packed with classes, group work, and events. Off-campus options offer more flexibility, while still allowing easy access to campus and surrounding amenities.

  In terms of day-to-day living, Shanghai is highly accessible and well-connected. Students rely on an efficient public transport system, including metro lines and taxis, which makes commuting straightforward. Mobile payment platforms are widely used for everyday transactions, from transport to dining, and quickly become part of daily routines.

  The cost of living can vary depending on housing choices and lifestyle preferences, but students typically benefit from having essential services, restaurants, and shops within close proximity to campus. Over time, navigating these systems becomes more intuitive, helping international students settle into a comfortable routine and adapt to life in Shanghai.

International Student Support

• International Student Support

  CEIBS provides structured support to help international students transition into the academic environment and daily life in China. This begins before the programme starts, with guidance on visas, documentation, and pre-arrival preparation, followed by onboarding and orientation activities designed to familiarise students with campus life and expectations.

  Once the programme begins, students have access to a range of resources that support both academic and social integration. Mandarin classes are available, offering a practical way to navigate everyday interactions while building confidence in a new environment. Additional language support and informal conversational practice help students engage more comfortably in both classroom and social settings.

  Cultural adaptation is also supported through the programme experience itself. Working in diverse teams, participating in campus activities, and engaging with the wider business community all contribute to understanding how to operate within a different cultural and professional context. Peer networks and informal mentorship play an important role in this process, helping students adjust more quickly and effectively.

  As one graduate advised, 

  "If you're struggling, you're not alone. Your alumni and batchmates will have resources for you."

  This combination of structured support and community engagement helps ensure that international students are able to adapt, participate fully, and thrive throughout their time at CEIBS.

Networking and Alumni Access

• Networking and Alumni Access

  The CEIBS alumni network includes more than 34,000 members worldwide, with particularly strong representation across China and the wider Asia-Pacific region. For students, this network becomes accessible from the start of the programme, offering direct connections to professionals across industries, functions, and markets.

  Students engage with alumni through career events, industry forums, guest speaker sessions, and structured mentorship opportunities. CEIBS regularly organises major forums and alumni gatherings across China, Europe, and other global locations, creating platforms where students and alumni connect with business leaders, policymakers, and academics.

  Examples include high-profile events such as the CEIBS Europe Forum and regional alumni forums, which bring together executives and industry experts to discuss topics such as strategy, innovation, and leadership. These events provide students with direct exposure to real-world business challenges while expanding their professional networks across markets.

  On campus and across the CEIBS network, students also participate in industry-focused forums and alumni reunions, such as the CEIBS Alumni Reunion & Annual Forum, where company founders, CEOs, and senior leaders share insights on global trends and emerging industries.

  In addition to large-scale events, CEIBS offers ongoing opportunities for engagement through chapter-led networking activities, expert dialogues, and smaller alumni meet-ups, allowing students to build more personalised connections and gain practical advice from experienced professionals.

  These interactions provide insight into different career paths while also helping students understand how to navigate the Chinese and regional business landscape. Informal connections built during the programme further strengthen this access, as alumni remain actively involved in the CEIBS community.

  Networking in this context offers clear practical advantages. Students are able to build relationships within China while also developing cross-border connections that support international career mobility. This combination is particularly valuable for those looking to work across markets or transition into roles connected to Asia.

  This is how Sophia Zhang, a CEIBS student, describes her experience:

  "Their willingness to help was simple and pure… To me, this is what’s most precious about the CEIBS MBA network — people who give their time and talent not for material gain, but because they want to make something meaningful happen together."

A Day in the Life at CEIBS

• A Day in the Life at CEIBS

  A typical day at CEIBS begins in the morning with classes that are often built around case discussions, group debates, and faculty-led sessions. Students are expected to contribute actively, drawing on their own professional experience while responding to perspectives from classmates across industries and countries.

  Afternoons tend to shift towards application and collaboration. Students move between group meetings, project work, and preparation for upcoming presentations, often working closely with their teams in shared campus spaces. At the same time, many attend career events, company presentations, or guest speaker sessions, connecting academic learning with real-world business contexts.

  Evenings are less structured but equally active. Some students participate in club activities or leadership initiatives, while others attend networking events or informal gatherings organised by classmates. These moments are an important part of building relationships and exchanging ideas outside the classroom.

  Life in Shanghai naturally becomes part of the routine. Students explore neighbourhoods, try local and international restaurants, and learn to navigate the city's systems (from public transport to mobile payments).

  It creates a day that balances academic intensity with collaboration, professional growth, and cultural immersion, with each part feeding into the others across the wider CEIBS experience.

Explore CEIBS

• Explore CEIBS

  If you are considering CEIBS, the next step is to explore the programmes and connect with the admissions team.

  You can learn more about the MBA degree, MIM degree, or Global EMBA, and explore real student experiences through CEIBS Stories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the total cost of studying at CEIBS, including living expenses?

  Costs vary depending on the programme and lifestyle choices, but students should budget for tuition, accommodation, and daily living expenses in Shanghai.

• Do I need to speak Mandarin to study and live at CEIBS?

  No. The CEIBS MBA, Global EMBA, and Global MiM are taught in English, and Mandarin is not required, although learning basic Chinese can enhance daily life.

• How does CEIBS support students who have never lived in China before?

  CEIBS provides onboarding, visa support, language resources, and a strong peer network to help students adapt.

• What is the CEIBS campus like, and how far is it from central Shanghai?

  The campus is located in Pudong and is well-connected to central Shanghai via public transport. It offers a modern, self-contained setting with academic buildings, study spaces, student accommodation, dining options, and green areas all close at hand, so students can easily move between coursework, collaboration, and everyday life.