College of Business and
  Economics

College of Business and Economics

Zhejiang Gongshang University (ZGU)

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About Zhejiang Gongshang University

Zhejiang Gongshang University (ZGU) is a public university that was established in 1911. It relocated to new purpose-built facilities in 2004.

China is such an important country economically that you can't go wrong in choosing ZGU as an exchange option. China is an important New Zealand trade partner and New Zealand businesses will always look for people with knowledge about Chinese culture, language and business practices.

There is no better way to learn about Chinese culture, language and business practices than to spend some time in China. Whether you choose the Chinese Language Programme or the China and Chinese Business Programme (see below), you will be immersed in the Chinese culture and this will be a tremendous benefit to you.

Where is Zhejiang Gongshang University and how to get there

Zhejiang Gongshang University is located in Xiasha university town, about one hour from downtown Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province. Downtown Hangzhou is a 45 minute, high speed train-ride away from Shanghai railway station. Hangzhou has its own airport, and it is easier if you plan to arrive there and not in Shanghai. The campus is about 30-45 minutes drive from Hangzhou airport, and taking a taxi from the airport costs only about NZD20.

Hangzhou is one of the top tourism sites in China due to its beautiful scenery (although sadly there is no blue sky during the summer months) and rich history. Hangzhou is famous for the West Lake that centres it, and while the constant haze makes it a bit less picturesque, it is absolutely magical after sunset. Hangzhou is a very wealthy, safe and clean city compared to most other cities in China.

English Corner, a themed get-together with local and foreign students, is organized by ZGU students. The weekly meetings are a great way to get to know and make friends with Chinese students who are keen to practice their English with you. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and ask lots of questions. Your new friends will be friends for life.

Language requirements at Zhejiang Gongshang University

Zhejiang Gongshang University is unique in that it currently only offers a full-time language programme for exchange students. As knowing Mandarin will be useful for any business career, this is a great option for Commerce students, especially if you are majoring in International Business. Alternatively (or additionally) to visiting ZGU as an exchange student, you may wish to take MGMT 228, a three week China study tour at ZGU.

You will need some knowledge of Chinese language to get by in China because you won't find many things written in English.

Courses and language of teaching Zhejiang Gongshang University

Undergraduate courses at ZGU are taught in Chinese. However, there are two programmes suitable for exchange students who are not fluent in Chinese.

ZGU has a great Chinese Language Programme with three levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) to choose from depending on your proficiency. The classes run for four hours each morning, with homework to keep you busy the rest of the workday. Many exchange students choose to take just this programme and we consider it a full semester workload (i.e. 45 points).

Another option is the China and Chinese Business Programme taught in English. This programme is designed for large groups of exchange students coming from a partner university. If this option is made available to you and you choose to take it, you will receive unspecified credit/points on your UC transcript. This means that you will not be able to substitute it with any of our required major courses because there is unlikely to be a direct match. However, you will receive credit/points towards your UC degree.

Unfortunately, we will not know in advance if the China and Chinese Business Programme will be available for your exchange. We can't even guarantee that this will count as a full-time workload until we see what's offered. So, please apply to go to ZGU only if you are happy with completing just the Language Programme in case the Business Programme is either not available or the offerings are such that we cannot credit 45 points towards your degree.

Semester structure at Zhejiang Gongshang University

The university academic year consists of two semesters:

  • Fall semester: starts early September and runs for 17 weeks
  • Spring semester: the start date depends on the date of the Chinese New Year, but normally starts either in late February or in early March and again runs for 17 weeks.

You can choose to go for a semester or for a year. The semester structure works extremely well with the UC structure so either semester (or both) would be fine.

Zhejiang Gongshang University campus

The campus was built in 2004 and includes the administration building, all teaching spaces, faculty buildings and a sports complex.

Adjacent to the teaching campus are two residential campus areas. One residential area has two convenience stores and a cafeteria/restaurant, and the other residential area has two cafeteria/restaurants and several stores.

Help for UC exchange students at Zhejiang Gongshang University

We have not sent any exchange students to ZGU, but our experience during our study tour (MGMT 228) suggests that you will be well looked after. You will be picked up from the airport, taken to your dormitory, helped with your internet connection and local sim card, and shown around to help you get acquainted with ZGU. This assistance is provided by student volunteers, and it is a good idea to bring some small gifts from New Zealand for these volunteer students.

Housing + living + cost of living in Hangzhou, China

International students can and should live on campus. You can stay at the Guest House that has units with two beds, two desks, a bathroom with a toilet, sink and a shower, a television, a phone, a small fridge, heater/air-conditioner unit, a drinking water dispenser with hot and cold water options (a large bottle for this costs 8 CNY or about NZD1.60) and cable access to the internet. The internet fee is approximately 90 CNY per month, or about NZD18 per month. Most students in the building are foreign students.

You can choose to share a room or pay extra to have your own room. The cost of accommodation is about NZD500 per year for double occupancy. There is a very well-stocked convenience store in the apartment building and another one in the nearby building. The stores stock pretty much everything, including basic clothing, cleaning essentials, toiletry, fruit and lots of other food items.

There is a shared cooking area in each floor of the apartment building, but you will need to use your own pots and pans etc. There is also a free shared washing machine in each floor, and there are several pay-as-you-go washing machines on the ground floor.

Food cost for a Chinese student is around NZD100 per month, but this could be more if you won't go for the local fare. The campus has three multi-level cafeterias serving Chinese food, ranging from the usual cafeteria situation where you pick-up the food at the counter to sit-down restaurants with a menu. KFC is also available.

Sports and Recreation

The university has world-class sports facilities, including a stadium, tennis courts, table tennis room, dance studio, gym, swimming pool, a billiard room etc. Basketball is a very popular sport on campus.