New York University Shanghai Campus

Is NYU-SH a good choice for me personally, for my undergraduate, major in finance and math. my goals are:

1. getting into a top MFin/MQF program in the UK/EU/US to recruit for AM/Corporate Banking/DCM/Quant in the UK/EU/US/HK
2. Learn a language, here it'd be mandarin, im already learning french.
3. Fun experience
4. exchange semester in the US.


My only concern is, even after ive done my MFin, would it be seen as tacky and a red flag (no pun intended) that i studied in China? Would it disadvantage me in the future?

My other options are

DKU
US LAC
HKUST
HKU
LUMS (top uni in my home country)
 

7 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:

  1. NYU Shanghai's Reputation and Opportunities: NYU Shanghai offers a unique blend of global education with a focus on China. It provides a strong foundation in finance and math, and the opportunity to learn Mandarin aligns well with your goal of language acquisition. Additionally, the exchange semester in the US is a significant advantage, as it allows you to experience the American academic and professional environment, which is crucial for your future goals in the UK/EU/US/HK.

  2. Perception of Studying in China: While studying in China might raise questions in certain regions, it is not inherently a disadvantage. In fact, with the growing importance of China in global finance, having experience in the region and Mandarin proficiency can be a strong asset, especially for roles in Hong Kong or Asia-Pacific. However, for roles in the UK/EU/US, you may need to emphasize the global nature of your education (e.g., NYU's brand and your exchange semester) to mitigate any potential bias.

  3. Comparison with Other Options:

    • DKU (Duke Kunshan University): Similar to NYU Shanghai, DKU offers a global education with a focus on China. However, NYU's global brand and network might give it an edge.
    • US LA: A US-based university could provide better direct access to US recruitment pipelines, but it may lack the unique international exposure and Mandarin learning opportunities of NYU Shanghai.
    • HKUST/HKU: Both are strong options for finance in Asia, with excellent placement records in Hong Kong. However, they may not offer the same global brand recognition as NYU.
    • LUMS (Top Uni in Home Country): While it may be a cost-effective option, it might not provide the same level of global exposure or networking opportunities as NYU Shanghai or other international universities.
  4. Your Goals:

    • Top MFin/MQF Programs: NYU Shanghai's global network and exchange opportunities can help you build a strong profile for top programs in the UK/EU/US.
    • Language Learning: Mandarin proficiency is a valuable skill, especially for roles in Hong Kong or Asia-Pacific.
    • Fun Experience: NYU Shanghai offers a vibrant, multicultural environment, which could make for an exciting undergraduate experience.

Final Thoughts:

NYU Shanghai seems to align well with your goals, particularly if you leverage its global network, exchange opportunities, and Mandarin learning. To address concerns about studying in China, focus on highlighting NYU's global brand and your international experiences during applications and interviews. If your primary focus is on recruitment in the US or Europe, you might also consider options like US LA or top-tier universities in the UK/EU.

Sources: The future of Hong Kong high finance, Is NYU Stern's(undergraduate) reputation increasing?, The future of Hong Kong high finance, 3 years work experience in big 4, Ms Finance or MBA? Could you please give me some advice?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/shall-i-take-usd-160k-loan-to-attend-wharton?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Sorry I didn't catch it but are you a foreign national living in China? I'd recommend HKU. Hong Kong is a fun city and is internationally recognized if you want to apply to grad school in the US. Happy to talk more if you wanna pm

 

Nope, im not a foreign national LIVING in china, I'm just interested in learning Mandarin and studying there, hence NYU-Shanghai. recognizable brand, amazing grad school placements and City Campus.

the only real problem with HKU is that its more expensive, (financial and merit aid for NYU-SH is pretty good) and has much larger class sizes than NYU. PLUS the local language isnt mandarin, but cantonese, so it wont really be immersion.

But i'd only do that if it wasnt a long term disadvantage. if it is, id be willing to go to a US LAC/National University. Preferrably an LAC. 

 

Ok got it, I would advise against attending NYU Shanghai then. It doesn't necessarily have the most amazing school placements (I have two middle school classmates that went there), and you will most likely return to the states for grad school since it is impossible to get a job straight out of undergrad in mainland China. If price is of concern to you then why even consider the U.S.? Do you qualify for a lot of financial aid? I'm not connecting the dots here. Also, don't base your college choices solely on your interest in a foreign language. 

 

Finances arent that huge of a concern, its just that i said that after aid US Schools are cheaper than HKU. i qualify for quite a bit of aid, its just an option, i.e if i land good aid at a US school/NYUSH ill go, otherwise im thinking of Bocconi/HKU/ESADE/Local ---> Grad school in the EU/UK

 

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