the programthe program
CIEE support
The CIEE Office in Shanghai is responsible for the supervision and support of CIEE participants throughout the duration of their stay. A local coordinator is assigned to each student and will remain in regular contact throughout the semester/year in order to check in on the student's language progress and to make sure that home life and the volunteer placements continues to go well. The CIEE office selects, screens, and interviews all host families and will place students in a family that best matches the student profile.
CIEE orientation
Orientation will take place upon your arrival in Shanghai. The orientation program consists of information on important topics such as an introduction to your host city and country, getting to know your host family, volunteer opportunities, health and safety, tips on how to adjust to a new culture and language, the academic program, and getting to know other students going to the same country. Students will be met at the airport upon their arrival by CIEE Shanghai Office staff, who will also assist in the final transfer to their host family.
CIEE excursions
Gap Year Abroad students attend a seminar facilitated by a native speaker instructor entitled "Discovering China through Culture and Society" that meets one hour per week. Participants are required to read introductory books and articles related to Chinese culture and society, and to discuss them in the seminar. They are also required to keep a journal reflecting their experiences while living, studying, volunteering and traveling in China. Fieldtrips, site visits and cultural activities are organized to give students maximum exposure to Chinese culture and society.