shanghai skyline clear sunny day
Shanghai, China

Summer Accelerated Chinese Language

Study Program

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

10 semester hours

15 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

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Overview

This summer, fast-forward your Mandarin language skills in one of the world's most rapidly developing cities: Shanghai! One of China's fastest-growing cities, Shanghai is a vibrant modern metropolis with a rich history that integrates a wide variety of cultures with the traditional elements of old China. As the most developed city in China, students travel worldwide to explore the museums and historic buildings Shanghai offers.

When class is in session, you'll kick learning into high gear with daily coursework and one-on-one classes that match your language level, whether you're a first- or fifth-year Mandarin student. Outside the classroom, peer tutorials, language clinics, homestays, cultural activities, and volunteering will round out your time abroad, making your summer in Shanghai one to remember for a lifetime!

SAFETY AND SECURITY TRAVEL ADVISORY
As of March 2023, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory in Greater China. To learn more, visit our FAQs.

Unique Experiences

Compress a year

of Mandarin progress into eight weeks with small classes and individual lessons.

Maximize immersion

by living with a Chinese host family or roommate.

Step outside to learn

via volunteering, cultural activities, and a weekend trip that includes practicing Mandarin in authentic situations.

11

ancient towns in Shanghai

268KM/H

top speed in MPH of the Shanghai Maglev train

24.3

residents

Experience
  • shanghai city planning museum
  • shanghai students selfie

Your Destination

Perched on the banks of the Huangpu River and the East China Sea, Shanghai is China’s largest city by population, and a global hub of culture, commerce, and finance. Massively redeveloped over the past 20 years, the city boasts both classic and modern architecture, interacting harmoniously with the traditional Chinese cultural environment.

The CIEE Shanghai Center is located inside the Zhongbei Campus of East China Normal University in downtown Shanghai, known as the “Garden University” for its beautiful natural environment.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Shanghai.

The Culture

excursion to beijing china great wall

Excursions & Activities

  • Step back in time with a visit to Suzhou, a city like a paradise, known for its beautiful traditional gardens and silk production, or Zhujiajiao, a traditional water town, known for its narrow, cobbled lanes, stone bridges, canals, and rich history. 
  • Choose a weekend away to learn more about cultures in different regions of China. Destinations may include: 
    • Historic Xi’an – Explore the ancient capital city at the western end of the Silk Road and the burial place of China’s first emperor. 
    • Beijing – Experience the Forbidden City and the Great Wall with a visit to the modern capital. 
    • Huangshan – See the majestic Yellow Mountain in southern Anhui Province and visit Hongcun Village, where the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was filmed.
    • Nanjing – Learn about the unique history of this capital of China’s multiple dynasties in ancient times by visiting Ming Tomb, Nanjing Presidential Palace, Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and more

Program Blogs

From CIEE

TRAVELING IN CHINA

By CIEE Shanghai at CIEE

By Fall 2023: Abena = College of William & Mary ‘25 (International Relations) - ACL Program Angela = Hamilton College ‘25 (Chinese and Sociology) - CGC Program Aside from the... keep reading

From CIEE

CIEE Shanghai Overnight Excursion to XI’AN AND LUOYANG

By CIEE Shanghai at CIEE

By Fall 2023: Abena = College of William & Mary ‘25 (International Relations) - ACL Program Angela = Hamilton College ‘25 (Chinese and Sociology) - CGC Program 大家好! We are... keep reading

Why You Should Give Studying Abroad in China a Chance

By Megan L.

In the Fall of 2019 I made the decision to study abroad in Shanghai, China with CIEE’s Business, Language + Culture program. This experience would become one of the best... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "I would recommend this program because even though I was a beginner with no experience in the language, I felt like my class was so useful and well paced. Having my Chinese roommate was a very great way for me to not feel lonely and my teachers were all so kind, patient, and dedicated."

    Whitney W., University of Oregon

  • "This program was great! Not only was I able to develop my Chinese, I was also able to learn more about the culture!"

    Keylana J., University of Redlands

  • "I have had a great experience so far."

    Emily S., The University of Texas at Austin

  • "I thoroughly enjoyed the program’s structure and overall organization. It is so accommodating and flexible which is something everyone can appreciate."

    Breezy R., University of Oregon

Housing
Academics

Academics

This program gives students a strong foundation in Chinese language through an intensive and Chinese language only environment. Designed for beginners and advanced Mandarin Chinese students alike, the program includes five course levels to develop your listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills, or elevate your language skills to a superior level, communicating with accuracy, fluency, and sophistication. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.

CIEE Shanghai is located on East China Normal University (ECNU)’s downtown Putuo campus and is known as the “Garden University” for its beautiful grounds by the Liwa River. Chinese language and elective courses are taught by professional faculty members, including the CIEE language instructors, adjunct faculty from ECNU and other prestigious institutions, and professionals from the private business sector. A committee of specialists in teaching Chinese as a second language holds these courses to the highest educational standards.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students must take 2 consecutive, accelerated language courses

Program Credit

Total credit: 10 U.S. semester/15 quarter credits

Course Credit

CIEE accelerated language courses: 5 U.S. semester/7.5 quarter credits; 75 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. Accelerated language courses are demanding due to the fast pace of course content, and participation is essential. Attendance is required, and students should avoid scheduling travel during the week. In class, language instructors introduce new content and focus on improving students’ language accuracy and consistency through drills. Outside of class, students meet with peer tutors to reinforce the content and language skills learned in class. Additional hours of language tutoring can be arranged if necessary.

Class Format

Classes are for CIEE students only. Chinese language classes are held Monday through Friday. Classes have an average of eight students and are typically co-taught by head language instructors and assistant language instructors. Students also meet with peer tutors for structured tutorials for at least two hours per week. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are assessed based on daily homework, quizzes, and written and oral exams.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

Chinese

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Course Notes
Students will take an on-site placement exam and be registered in the appropriate language levels based on their results.

Summer 2024

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • The Stephen M. Lew Lifetime Friendship Award
  • CIEE Stem Scholarship

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Summer 2024 8 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $7,950

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $6,053**

Housing = $1,400

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $7,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $280

International Airfare = $1,300††

Local Transportation = $85†††

Books & Supplies = $10

Visa Fees = $185††††

Personal expenses = $220

Other = $15†††††

Total Costs = $2,095

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays. For students in residence halls, you should budget approx. $440 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††students living in homestay or enrolled in internships should budget $100

††††For students who must change their student visa on site because of internship course or extend the duration to cover the whole semester, an additional $150 is required.

†††††Covid test to enter the US, if required

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Jia Ma

Interim Center Director

With over a decade of service at CIEE Shanghai, Jia Ma oversees the operations of the Shanghai center, providing a strong foundation for your experiences.

Juan Zhang

Student Life Director

Juan Zhang is responsible for all aspects of student service, student activity administration, internship programs.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

Request Info