Know your environment. One thing you’ll want to do for the first few weeks at language schools in Shanghai is carry a map of the city. While you may get to know your immediate surroundings pretty quickly, eventually you will want to branch out to see other sites and (hear other) sounds. Shanghai is large, so don’t be afraid to look like a “tourist” for a while until you’re familiar with the larger area.

Learn key phrases. Going into your new city, you’ll want to know some key phrases. Learn how to introduce yourself, ask for directions, order a meal and other essential phrases that will help you get settled quickly. Also, picking up colloquialisms (aka slang) happens in context, and this will come most naturally as you build upon your existing vocabulary.

Make friends with the locals. You cannot get to know a city without knowing its people. Making friends with locals is an essential part of getting the inside scoop on what there is to see and do around the city. The sooner you are able to meet people, the more you will get out of your experience at Shanghai language schools. –Read our comprehensive guide on learning languages in China.